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1.4. Enhanced Health Care for Combat Veterans

"Combat Veterans" are defined as:

• Veterans, including activated Reservists and members of the National Guard, who served on active duty in a theater of combat operations after November 11, 1998,  and
• Have been discharged under other than dishonorable conditions

"Combat Veterans" are assigned to Priority Group 6, unless eligible for enrollment in a higher priority group, for a period of five years after discharge.  During this time, VA provides cost-free (no VA copayments) health care services and nursing home care for conditions potentially related to service in the theater of operations. 

Sometime during the 5 year period of cost-free care, Veterans need to enroll in the VA Health Care System using the VA Form 10-10EZ.  Enrollment during the 5 years of cost-free care, maintains the Veterans enrollment status in the VA Health Care System when the 5 year period ends.   At that time, VA will reassess the Veteran's eligibility and make a new enrollment priority group determination.