United States Department of Veterans Affairs
United States Department of Veterans Affairs

VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System

Eligibility OIF/OEF

See How YOU Fit Into The VA System

National VA refers to returning OIF/OEF service men and women as Combat Veterans, and pledges that for the two years following a combat veteran’s discharge, the VA will provide free health care for service-related conditions for a “ Seamless Transition” back home. The following chart offers a very simple view of how VA eligibility is determined for combat veterans. Once you go to the VA, the VA carefully determines a Veteran’s eligibility for benefits and health care through a physical examination, a financial means test, and much more. Contact your VA to start your enrollment process.
The First Two Years Post-Discharge
All veterans with a general or honorable discharge from Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom can be provided VA medical care for the two years following a veteran’s discharge date for conditions suspected to be a result of their active duty.
  • Similar services can be provided for veterans of active duty in a theater of combat against a hostile force, or for those who served in imminent danger pay areas after Nov. 11, 1998. The Veterans Health Administration provides lists of regions considered to be “hostile” at any given period.
Dental Care is available to veterans provided that 1) the veteran did not complete dental treatment immediately before his or her discharge and 2) the veteran applies for treatment within 90 days of his or her discharge. Note: If a veteran has a service- connected jaw injury, s/he will still be eligible following the initial enrollment period.
At the end of the initial, free two-year enrollment period, Veterans are divided into two groups:
Group One
Veterans enrolled in the VA system within two years of their discharge can retain their eligibility for care. After the special two year period veterans will be reassessed by the VA and assigned to an appropriate priority group.  These veterans can continue their VA enrollment.
Group Two

Veterans who failed to enroll in the VA system within the two-year open enrollment period can still enroll based on specific factors including service-connected injuries, pension status, financial situation, or catastrophic disability determination. Contact your local VA to determine if you fall into this category.
Once enrolled, veterans are assigned to a priority group, of which there are eight levels. To determine which priority group you would be enrolled in, and to learn more about the overall eligibility and enrollment process, see the National VA website.

Home | Services | Patient Information |  Facility Information | Contact Us | Volunteer or Give
Careers | About this Facility | Site Index