1. FAQ: Am I eligible for VA Medical Benefits?

ANSWER: If you served active duty as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces at any time, you may be eligible for VA medical benefits. A simple form 10-10EZ can be filed along with a certified copy of your Military discharge paper DD 214. VA medical benefits may be based on income standards if you do not have VA rated service-connected disabilities.

2. FAQ: Is my wife eligible for Medical Benefits?

ANSWER: The Veteran of the family should meet one of the following criteria in order for the spouse to obtain medical benefits: 1. The veteran must be 100% service connected disabled. 2. The veteran is deceased from service-connected disabilities. 3. The veteran died during active duty with the U.S. Armed Forces as the result of service connected injuries.

3. FAQ: Where is the nearest VA Medical Facility?

ANSWER: The nearest VA Clinic for outpatient services is in Durango, CO. The nearest full service facility is the VA Medical Center in Albuquerque, NM. The Veterans Service Office has transportation vehicles, furnished by Archuleta County, for the use of veteran traveling to and from these VA facilities on a first come/first serve basis, if the veteran does not have adequate personal transportation. A valid Colorado Driver’s License is required to use these transportation vehicles.

4. FAQ: How much does it costs for VA Medical benefits?

ANSWER: Under normal VA Medical benefit programs, a veteran with no service connected disabilities is required to make a "co-pay" payment for medical services currently of $15.00 or $0.00 (example: flu shots) per physician outpatient visit, $50.00 for specialist care and services, and $8.00 per 30-day supply for medications prescribed or approved by a VA Medical facility. In certain income situations, the VA may waive these fees. If the veteran has a service connected disability these fees may be waived.

5. FAQ: My husband died recently and was a veteran. As his surviving wife, can I get a VA pension?

ANSWER: The same criteria as applying for medical benefits apply for spouse/survivor VA pension. See #2 above.

6. FAQ: I can't find my discharge papers to apply for benefits. What should I do?

ANSWER: The Veterans Service Office can send a request to the Military Archives Center in St. Louis, MO for a certified copy of your military records. Replacement records can take a lengthy amount of time to obtain. In some cases the records are not available at the Records Center, and must be constructed from military units, military facilities, etc.

7. FAQ: I kind of messed up when I was in the military, and I did not get an "Honorable Discharge". Can I still get VA benefits?

ANSWER: In most cases you are entitled to most VA benefits as long as your discharge was other than a "Dishonorable Discharge".

8. FAQ: I was in Vietnam and was exposed to Agent Orange and may have health problems. What should I do?

ANSWER: If you served in the military and were “in country” during the Vietnam era, you are automatically considered at risk from the effects of Agent Orange and may be entitled to special VA medical benefits as service connected. If you were exposed to Atomic Bomb testing or served during the Gulf War, or other special circumstances during other military services, you may be considered at risk for service-connected disabilities. These can include cancer, diabetes, and numerous other physical and physiological ailments. See the VSO for more detailed information.

The following Internet link to the Department of Veterans Affairs may be helpful to find out more about Veterans benefits: http://www.va.gov/

The Veterans Service Office is open Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:00pm and is located at 451 Hot Springs Boulevard, Pagosa Springs, CO, 81147.