“If I can no longer take care of myself, or my spouse, can I automatically go to the VA nursing home?”

We are asked frequently, “If I can no longer take care of myself, or my spouse, can I automatically go to the VA nursing home?”

Unfortunately, this is not the case. Nursing home care is not automatically available to all veterans enrolled in the VA health plan.

The following automatically qualify for unlimited nursing home care, Veterans with a:

• Service-related condition
• Service-connected disability rating of 70 percent or more
• Service-connected disability of 60 percent and are unemployable

A service-connected disability is a disability that was incurred or aggravated while on active duty in the military and in the line of duty.

While, the VA may provide nursing home care to other veterans, but, only if space permits. However, Veterans with service-connected disabilities receive priority.

If you have served this country, made sacrifices, why can’t you receive the medical treatment and recognition that you deserve. Regrettably, the VA is under siege. Politicians are trying to balance the budget on the backs of Veterans. Please contact your representatives and tell them not to cut benefits.