All veterans are encouraged to enroll in the VA Health Care System. And the Massachusetts VA Healthcare System is committed to providing the high quality healthcare and benefits that our veterans – young, and old – need and deserve.
If you served in the active military, naval or air service and are separated under any condition other than dishonorable, you may qualify for VA health care benefits. Current and former members of the Reserves or National Guard who were called to active duty (other than for training only) by a federal order and completed the full period for which they were called or ordered to active duty may be eligible for VA health care as well.
Minimum Duty Requirements
Most veterans who enlisted after September 7, 1980, or entered active duty after October 16, 1981, must have served 24 continuous months or the full period for which they were called to active duty in order to be eligible. This minimum duty requirement may not apply to veterans who were discharged for a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, discharged for a hardship, or received an “early out.” Since there are a number of other exceptions to the minimum duty requirements, VA encourages all veterans to apply in order to determine their enrollment eligibility.
To enroll in VA Healthcare:
- Visit your nearest VA Medical Center – including Brockton, West Roxbury.
- Or, visit your nearest VA Community Based Outpatient clinic – locations in Hyannis, Plymouth, Martha’s Vineyard, and New Bedford.
- Fill out the 10-10EZ application online or in person.
- Remember to bring a copy of your DD-214 (military discharge documents) with your visit.
It is very important to note: the Veterans Administration allows five years from your discharge date to receive free healthcare for any condition that may be related to your deployment. After the five-year window, a co-payment may apply, based on your income and if the condition is found to be service-connected.
For more information and detail, please visit: www.boston.va.gov
