Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents - CT.gov

4 VA Health Care Chapter 1with combat service after Nov. 11, 1998, who were discharged fromactive duty before Jan. 28, 2003, and who apply for enrollment on orafter Jan. 28, 2008, are eligible for this enhanced enrollment benefitthrough Jan. 27, 2011. During this period of enhanced enrollmentbenefits, these veterans receive VA care and medications at no costfor any condition that may be related to their combat service.Veterans, including activated reservists and members of the NationalGuard, are eligible for the enhanced “Combat Veteran” benefits ifthey served on active duty in a theater of combat operations afterNov. 11, 1998, and have been discharged under other than dishonorableconditions.Special Access to CareService-Disabled Veterans: Veterans who are 50 percent or moredisabled from service-connected conditions, unemployable due toservice-connected conditions, or receiving care for a service-connecteddisability receive priority in scheduling of hospital or outpatientmedical appointments.Veterans who enroll with VA under this “Combat Veteran” authoritywill retain enrollment eligibility even after their five-year post dischargeperiod ends. At the end of their post discharge period, VA willreassess the veteran’s information (including all applicable eligibilityfactors) and make a new enrollment decision. For additional information,call 1-877-222-VETS (8387).Women VeteransWomen veterans are eligible for the same VA benefits as maleveterans. Comprehensive health services are available to all womenveterans including primary care, specialty care, mental health careand reproductive health care services.VA provides management of acute and chronic illnesses, preventivecare, contraceptive services, menopause management, Pap smearsand mammography. Gynecology and maternity care are availableand referrals are made to appropriate clinicians in the community forservices that VA is unable to provide. In 1999, the uniform benefitspackage included a maternity care benefit for women veterans aswell as infertility evaluation and limited treatment. Special initiativesinclude Women Veterans Comprehensive Health Centers and ClinicalPrograms of Excellence. For information, visit http://www.va.gov/