Who is eligible for care within the Veterans Health Administration?

Eligibility for care within the Veterans Health Administration primarily encompasses individuals who have served in the active duty military. This includes those who have been honorably discharged from their service, as the VA aims to provide healthcare services specifically to those who have defended the nation.

While retired veterans might have similar access to healthcare, the eligibility is not strictly limited to them; it also encompasses active duty personnel and veterans who may not be retired but were discharged under conditions that qualify them for VA benefits. Family members of veterans and other citizens do not have the same direct eligibility for care under the VA system unless specific conditions are met, such as being dependents of a veteran or through other specialized programs. Hence, the focus on active duty military service as the primary criterion aligns with the VA's mission to support those who have served in the armed forces.