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VA New England Healthcare System

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Returning Service MembersClick on the question to view the answer.

  1. If I see a doctor at the VA, will he/she file a claim for service connection for me and do the paperwork?
  2. I registered with the VBA (benefits) - does that mean that I am now automatically registered in the VHA (hospital) system?
  3. How do I schedule a medical appointment once I am registered?
  4. How do I get help if I don't feel my needs are being met?
  5. I went to a doctor/hospital in the community and now I am getting bills for what Tricare did not cover; will the VA cover my co-pay?
  6. Why do I want to file a claim for a service connected rating - is it important?
  7. How do I know what services are available to me as a newly returned veteran?
  8. How do I check on an appointment?
  9. I live in the catchment area of one VA location, but work in another catchment area and want to go to the VA close to where I work. Can I go to the VA of my choice where it is convenient for me?
  10. I'm having financial difficulties with catching up on rent, mortgage. Where can I get help? Can I be evicted?
  11. I am just starting my job and don't feel that I can take time away from work to be seen for medical or adjustment issues. Does the VA have night or weekend hours so that I can have my issues addressed?
  12. Can I be seen for conditions that are not related to my Iraq-Afghanistan-Bosnia-Kuwait service?

Answers

  1. If I see a doctor at the VA will he/she file a claim for service connection for me and do the paperwork?
    No. The nurses, physicians, and mental health providers are interested in taking care of your medical issues (e.g. cholesterol, knee injury, gastrointestinal problems) and adjustment issues. The VBA takes care of the claims for service connected ratings (1-800-827-1000).


  2. I registered with the VBA (benefits) - does that mean that I am now automatically registered in the VHA (hospital) system?
    No, that means you have filed a claim for a service connected rating or benefits. In order to register in the VHA medical system you must fill out a 10-10EZ form and provide a copy of your discharge showing your dates of service, and type of discharge (Honorable).


  3. How do I do I schedule a medical appointment once I am registered?
    Call the VA clinic or Medical center that is close to where you live. Ask for the scheduling desk for appointments. If you are having difficulty, ask to be connected to the returning veteran program manager or a social worker.


  4. How do I get help if I don't feel my needs are being met?
    Ask to speak with the returning veteran program manager, a supervisor, or a social worker. Each medical center has a patient advocate or an Administrator (AOD) after hours who can also respond to your needs.


  5. I went to a doctor/hospital in the community and now I am getting bills for what Tricare did not cover; will the VA cover my co-pay?
    If you are a returning OEF/OIF veteran and are seen in the VA system for medical or adjustment issues related to your active duty service you will not be billed by the VA. If you choose to be seen in the community you will be responsible co-pays.


  6. Why do I want to file a claim for a service connected rating - is it important?
    It is important to file right away so the injury/disability is documented. Medical care and prescriptions are free of charge in the VA system for a service related injury. Concurrent with the free medical health care for your injury/disability you may also be entitled to compensation.


  7. How do I know what services are available to me as a newly returned veteran?
    Contact the local veterans agent at your town/city hall.
    Check the VA web site.
    Check your state's veterans office.
    Call your local VA Medical Center and ask for the returning veteran program manager.


  8. How do I check on an appointment?
    Call your local clinic or medical center and ask for scheduling.


  9. I live in the catchment area of one VA, but work in another catchment area and want to go to the VA close to where I work. Can I go to the VA of my choice where it is convenient for me?
    Yes, you are able to go to the VA of your choice for primary care, but if you are filing a claim you will need to file it in the appropriate catchment area.


  10. I'm having financial difficulties with catching up on rent, mortgage. Where can I get help? Can I be evicted?
    There are laws that protect the guard and reserves when called to active duty. These laws are referred to as USERRA. Check with the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve on the web or contact a local veterans service officer.


  11. I am just starting my job and don't feel that I can take time away from work to be seen for medical or adjustment issues. Does the VA have night or weekend hours so that I can have my issues addressed?
    Hours are generally 8am - 4pm, Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. Some medical centers may have evening or weekend clinics, you will need to ask when you call for an appointment.


  12. Can I be seen for conditions that are not related to my Iraq-Afghanistan-Bosnia-Kuwait service?
    Yes, but you may incur a $15 charge from primary care, and a $50 charge for specialty services. Some insurances are billed in lieu of the charge. There is a $8 co-pay for prescriptions.

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