Hey Veterans, Did You Know?

… There are five ways to apply for VA health benefits?

Option 1: Apply Online at www.va.gov/health-care/ apply/application/introduction.

Option 2: Apply by phone by calling the toll-free hotline at (877) 222-8387, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET to get help with your application.

Option 3: Apply by mail filling out an Application for Health Benefits (VA Form 10-10EZ), available to download at www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/10-10EZ-fillable.pdf, and send the completed form to: Health Eligibility Center 2957 Clairmont Rd., Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30329

Option 4: Apply in person your nearest VA medical center or clinic. Bring a signed Application for Health Benefits (link in Option 3) with you.

Option 5: Apply with the help of a trained professional, like a Veteran Service Officer (VSO). These trained professionals can help you navigate applying for health care benefits, and their services are free. For local help, see the “How Can I get Help?” on page 5.

After you’ve applied for VA health care, you will get a letter in the mail from the VA to let you know if your application has been approved. You should hear back in less than one week. If more than a week has passed, don’t apply again. Instead, call our toll-free hotline at (877) 2228387 to check your application status.

... You can get hearing aids at the VA?

To receive hearing aids through VA, you must first register at the Health Administration/enrollment section of the VA Medical Center of your choice. The following documents are usually needed at the time of registration: • A copy of the veteran's DD214 • Driver's license • Health insurance information (if available)

There are several ways to enroll: • In person at any VA Medical Center or Clinic • Online by filling out the Form 10-10EZ at www.va.gov/ health-care/how-to-apply/. • By mailing a completed Form 10-10EZ to the Medical Center of your choice (please be sure to sign your application or it cannot be processed for enrollment)

Once registered (or if already registered), you may schedule an appointment at the Audiology and Speech Pathology Clinic for an evaluation of your hearing. The audiologist will make a clinical determination on the need for hearing aids and/or other hearing assistive devices. If hearing aids are recommended and fit, the hearing aids, repairs, and future batteries will all be at no charge to you, as long as you maintain VA eligibility for care.

… The VA will cover the cost of eyeglasses in some instances?

To qualify for VA coverage of eyeglasses, one of the following statements must be true: • Have a compensable service-connected disability (a disability linked to your military service for which you’re receiving VA disability payments), or • Are a former prisoner of war (POW), or • Were awarded a Purple Heart, or • Receive benefits under Title 38 United States Code (U.S.C.) 1151, or • Receive an increased pension based on your being permanently housebound and in need of regular aid and attendance

Or, you must have at least one of these issues: • Vision problems caused by an illness – or the treatment of an illness – for which you’re receiving VA care, like:

• Stroke • Diabetes • Multiple sclerosis • Vascular disease (diseases that affect your blood vessels) • Geriatric chronic illnesses (long-lasting illnesses that affect the elderly) • Vision problems caused by an injury – or the treatment of an injury – for which you’re receiving VA care, like: • A reaction to prescribed medicines • Cataract surgery or other surgeries of the eye, ear, or brain • Traumatic brain injury or polytrauma (injuries to more than 1 body part or organ, often caused by a blast) • Functional impairment (parts of your body that don’t work as well as they should) or cognitive impairment (a problem with memory or thinking skills) that’s severe enough to make it hard for you to do everyday tasks • Vision and/or hearing loss (called dual sensory impairment) that’s severe enough to interfere with your ability to take an active role in your own health care – and eyeglasses would help to reduce the impact of your impairment

For more information, contact the prosthetic representative at your nearest VA medical center or clinic. To find the nearest facility, see the “How Can I Get Help” on page 5.

… Burial at sea is an option for veterans?

Burial at sea is a means of final disposition of remains that is performed on United States Navy vessels. The committal ceremony is performed while the ship is deployed. Therefore, family members are not allowed to be present. The commanding officer of the ship assigned to perform the ceremony will notify the family of the date, time, and longitude and latitude once the committal service has been completed.

The average amount of time, for burial at sea, is 12 to 18 months, once the remains/cremains are received at the port of embarkation.

For additional information on program requirements, eligibility and contact information go to www.mynavyhr. navy.mil/Support-Services/Casualty/Mortuary-Services/ Burial-at-Sea/.