Enrollment
The first step all veterans must complete in order to receive their benefits is to complete a VA Form 10-10EZ - Enrollment Application for Health Benefits. For more information, click here.
You'll also be asked to provide your DD-214 and be required to complete a financial information section. This includes your and your spouse's gross income from employment or retirement/pension income. From there, the VA will conduct a financial assessment (also known as a means test) to determine if you are eligible for enrollment and whether or not there are copays for health care or prescription medications (this is required by law).
Certain classes of veterans are exempt from this financial disclosure. See the VA Form 10-10EZ - Enrollment Application for Health Benefits for more information.
Schedule an Appointment
After enrollment, you are entitled to receive a mobility assessment without a referral from your Primary Care Provider. Approval for a mobility device (such as a walker, scooter, manual or power wheelchair) must be made by the physician/therapist at the VA and is based on your mobility needs. If you were denied a mobility device in the past, you may always request a re-evaluation should circumstances change. Keep in mind that evaluations can be different from VA to VA as mobility needs vary greatly in different geographic locations. Additionally, the VA provides additional assistance through the VA's Driver Rehabilitation Services.
Remember, even if you were denied a mobility device by Medicare, do not hesitate to request an evaluation at the VA! While the criteria for determining mobility needs are similar between Medicare and the VA, they are not the same.
Filing for VA Benefits
If you have what you believe is a disability or condition as a result of your military service, then file for benefits consideration with the VA. Complete and submit the VA Form 21-0966 - Intent to File a Claim. You may wish to leverage Veterans Service Organizations (VSO) to work with trained service officers to help you file for benefits. Never pay someone to help you file for your VA Disability benefit. Contact the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) or the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) for assistance in filing your benefit claim.