C. U.S. Veterans Health Administration
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) provides medical care
to veterans. The Veterans Health Administration is a division within the Department.
The Veterans Health Administration administers this program and provides treatment
to veterans. At VA Medical Centers, veterans can obtain outpatient care that
includes equipment. Medical care is provided to veterans and, if entitled under
the law, a veteran can access medically necessary equipment at these centers.
1. Eligibility
If eligible, veterans can receive hospital and outpatient care that falls within
the "medical benefits package." Veterans who are enrolled in the VA
healthcare system are eligible to obtain needed care that falls within the medical
benefits package. A veteran’s enrollment will be recognized throughout
the country. The USDVA determines annually which categories of veterans will
be eligible for enrollment in the healthcare system. A veteran can apply for
enrollment at any time. To apply, a veteran must complete and submit a form
10-10EZ to a VA medical center. The VA will issue written notification as to
whether the veteran will be enrolled and an explanation of the veteran’s
appeal rights.
Veterans who are not enrolled may be eligible for medical care. If the veteran
seeks medical care for a service-related disability, he/she may be eligible
for care that falls within the medical benefits package. For a veteran who has
a disability that is rated at greater than 50%, he/she may receive medical care
that falls within the package. This rating concerns the degree to which a veteran’s
impairment will have an impact on his/her employment potential.
2. Medical Benefits
If eligible, a veteran may be able to obtain equipment that falls within the
"medical benefits package" provided by the VA. Much equipment that
would be considered AT falls within the benefits provided by this package. Durable
medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotic devices, hearing aids, environmental
control units, eyeglasses, and sensori-neural aids are examples. If the equipment
is "needed to promote, preserve, or restore the health of the individual
and is in accord with generally accepted standards of medical practice,"
the veteran may be able to obtain it.
3. Procedure
A veteran who seeks assistance in obtaining AT must have medical justification
of the need. VA Medical facilities often have departments that specialize in
prosthetic and other types of equipment. If the appropriate medical personnel
support the need for the equipment, a request must then be made to the committee
or personnel who handle these types of requests. The veteran can provide additional
information in support of his/her request. If it is decided that the equipment
will be provided, the veteran will receive training in the use of the equipment.
If it is decided that it will not be funded, a written decision will be provided.
It will explain whether and how the veteran might appeal the decision.
4. Contacts
a. Medical questions can be directed to the following:
The VA Medical Center
1670 Clairmont Road
Decatur, GA 30033
(404) 329-2222
(800) 224-4087
b. Inquiries and requests for assistance can be directed to:
The Georgia Department of Veterans Services
1700 Clairmont Road
Decatur, GA 30033
(404) 656-5933 (Information Division
(404) 656-2300 (Front Office)
c. VA Medical Centers are located in the following places:
1 Freedom Way
Augusta, GA 30910
(706) 733-0188
1670 Clairmont Road
Decatur, GA 30033
(404) 321-6111
1826 Veterans Boulevard
Dublin, GA 31021
(912) 258-2000