Armed Forces News

Veterans Affairs secretary Anthony J. Principi is sending a personal letter to more than 150,000 veterans of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom who have recently separated from the military to thank them for their service and to remind them of their eligibility for VA benefits. The letters advise them of special eligibility for increased access to health care for two years after separation for illnesses and injuries that may be the result of military service. For such cases, VA waives copayments for inpatient and outpatient care. To effect a seamless transition from military to VA services, the department wants to expedite claims processing. Accordingly, VA counselors are working with seriously wounded patients in military hospitals with the largest numbers of casualties to begin their benefit applications. VA social service personnel also help them plan health care coordination for transition from military to VA care.