OIF/OEF Combat Veteran Eligibility Enhanced Eligibility For Health Care Benefits                                                              On January 28, 2008, “Public Law 110-181” titled the “National Defense Authorization Act of 2008” was signed into law. Section 1707 amended Title 38, United States Code (U.S.C.), Section 1710(e)(3), extending the period of eligibility for health care for Veterans who served in a theater of combat operations after November 11, 1998, (commonly referred to as combat veterans or OEF/OIF Veterans or to the recently established Operation New Dawn Veterans).                                                                     Under the “Combat Veteran” authority, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides cost-free health care services and nursing home care for conditions possibly related to military service and enrollment in Priority Group 6, unless eligible for enrollment in a higher priority group to:                                                       • Combat Veterans who were discharged or released from active service on or after January 28, 2003, are now eligible to enroll in the VA health care system for 5 years from the date of discharge or release. NOTE: The 5-year enrollment period applicable to these veterans begins on the discharge or separation date of the service member from active duty military service, or in the case of multiple call-ups, the most recent discharge date.                                    Combat Veterans, while not required to disclose their income information, may do so to determine their eligibility for a higher priority status, beneficiary travel benefits, and exemption of copays for care unrelated to their military service.                                                                                       Who’s Eligible? Veterans, including activated Reservists and members of the National Guard, are eligible if they served on active duty in a theater of combat operations after November 11, 1998, and have been discharged under other than dishonorable conditions.                                                      Documentation Used To Determine Service in a Theater Of Combat Operations • Military service documentation that reflects service in a combat theater, or • receipt of combat service medals, and/or Health Benefits Under The “Combat Veteran” Authority • Cost-free care and medications provided for conditions potentially related to combat service. • Enrollment in Priority Group 6 unless eligible for enrollment in a higher priority group. • Full access to VA’s Medical Benefits Package.

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