VA offers a variety of health care benefits to Veterans. A Veteran’s survivors also may qualify for health care benefits.
Learn about your eligibility and VA's benefits.
Eligibility for Veterans' Health Care Benefits
There are many ways a Veteran may qualify for VA health care benefits. VA provides special priority enrollment (Enrollment Priority Group 6) to Veterans who participated in a radiation-risk activity and have an other than dishonorable discharge. Veterans in Enrollment Priority Group 6 may receive free care and medications for diseases related to radiation exposure.
Veterans who are entitled to disability compensation for diseases associated with radiation exposure may be eligible for even higher priority enrollment in Enrollment Priority Group 1, 2 or 3 depending on the severity of the disease.
Visit the Health Care Eligibility & Enrollment Web site for more information on eligibility for health care.
Apply online for VA health care.
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Ionizing Radiation Registry Health Exam
VA’s Ionizing Radiation Registry health exam is a free, voluntary medical exam to track the special health concerns of Veterans exposed to ionizing radiation during their military service. The collected data enables VA to understand and address health problems more effectively. Learn more about the Ionizing Radiation Registry health exam.
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Treatment at VA War Related Illness and Injury Study Center
VA's War Related Illness and Injury Study Centers (WRIISCs) provide clinical expertise for Veterans with deployment health concerns or difficult-to-diagnose illnesses. WRIISCs are in three locations: Washington, DC; East Orange, NJ; and Palo Alto, CA. For an appointment at a WRIISC, a VA primary care doctor must make a referral. Learn how to get a referral to a WRIISC.
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Additional Benefits for Veterans
Veterans also may be eligible for:
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Survivors' Benefits
Surviving spouses and children of Veterans who were exposed to ionizing radiation during military service and died as the result of diseases related to ionizing radiation exposure may be eligible for health care benefits under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA). These survivors (and surviving dependent parents of these Veterans) also may be eligible for a monthly payment called Dependency and Indemnity Compensation and other benefits. Find out if you qualify for survivors’ benefits.
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Contact VA about Benefits
By Telephone
- Health Care and Ionizing Radiation Registry Health Exam: 1-877-222-8387 (Ask to speak to the Environmental Health Coordinator or Patient Care Advocate)
- Compensation and Other Benefits: 1-800-827-1000
- TDD (for hearing impaired): 1-800-829-4833
In Person
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