Veterans Administration (VA) and Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) Services

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs provides health care and other services to veterans. Once a veteran is determined eligible, they qualify for inpatient and outpatient care. Eligibility is generally determined through a verification of discharge, length of service, and financial status.

The Veterans Health Administration of the Veterans Affairs department administers medical and other health care needs. The administration is divided into 21 different health system networks, which occupy different regions of the country and are usually located in more than one state. They contain medical centers, vet centers, and outpatient clinics offering primary and specialized care.

If you are interested in determining your eligibility, click here...

VA and VISN

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs is the U.S. government department dedicated to the needs of war veterans. They handle issues such as benefits, health care, and assistance with employment.

The Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs is divided into 21 different health system networks called Veterans Integrated Service Networks, or VISNs. On their page is the current VISN map showing all 21 networks, with a link to each network.

Primary Healthcare

Information on veterans benefits programs, including disability compensation and pension, can be found here...

TRICARE is the U.S. Department of Defense military health system. On its homepage is information on available plans, how to determine eligibility, and tools to find a provider. Some mental health services may be covered under TRICARE benefits.

The Veterans’ Benefits Network is a veterans forum for discussing benefits claims, social, government, VA policy, or just chatting.  

A summary for benefits available to National Guard and reservists can be found here. Generally reservists become eligible if they serve on active duty, while National Guard members become eligible if they are activated for federal duty.

Information for veterans and their families from NAMI, including a FAQ on obtaining benefits, can be found here...

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a directory of VA facilities by state. With each state, you will find links to facilities for health care, benefits, and cemetery administration. The directory can be found here...

VA mental health centers can be found here...

Social Security

The Disability Benefits for Wounded Warriors Web site is an informational page from the Social Security Administration providing information on benefits for disabled veterans, including a FAQ section.

An 11/9/07 press release from the Social Security Administration discusses the administration's recent expansion of efforts to assist disabled veterans.

Employment

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s Web site provides information for veterans seeking employment. It contains information on the special rights and privileges veterans enjoy in federal civil service employment.

USAJOBS is a Web site with multiple tools and valuable resources for all U.S. Veterans. There is information on the site about job opportunities, forms, benefits, and program information as well as training assistance for private sector employment.

The Key to Career Success Web site is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor through the CareerOneStop project as part of the department's assistance to service members, military families, employers, and the workforce staff serving them.

Vet Centers

The Department of Veterans Affairs Vet Center program is a system of 207 community-based counseling centers staffed by multidisciplinary teams of providers, many of whom are veterans. The centers provide readjustment counseling and outreach services to veterans who served in any combat zone.

A BBC News article from 8/19/05 focuses on counseling and treatment for veterans. It takes a look at Vet Centers and interviews counselors and veterans who work there.  You can read the article here...

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