Other Veteran-Specific Resources

Besides providing medical centers for the comprehensive treatment of a number of diseases, like mesothelioma, and disorders, the U.S. Veterans Administration also provides a host of other services and facilities for veterans. These are designed to address a number of situations and concerns that are often encountered by vets, including challenges facing both men and women who served in the Armed Forces. Below is a synopsis of other veteran-specific resources available to former members of the United States military.

Veteran Owned Business

Learn how you can support veteran-owned businesses in your area and empower those who have served our country.

Veteran Chaplains

Veteran chaplains play an integral role in providing spiritual service our country’s veterans in VA hospitals and other locations across the United States.

Military Chaplains

Military Chaplains provide spiritual guidance and support to those who are currently serving in the armed forces.

Vet Centers

The Veterans Healthcare Administration operates more than 230 Vet Centers in all 50 states as well as the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Vet Centers are specifically designed for those who have served in a combat zone, providing outreach services and readjustment counseling. These centers are also opened to family members of veterans who might be dealing with difficult military-related issues.

Community Living Centers

The VA operates more than 130 Community Living Centers throughout the U.S. These are long-term, skilled nursing care facilities that cater to veterans with chronic stable conditions, such as dementia, as well as those who require rehabilitation services, or veterans who need end of life care and comfort. Short term specialized services are also offered at the Community Living Centers, including respite care or intravenous therapy.

Domiciliaries

The Veterans' Administration's Domiciliary Residential Care and Treatment Program provides bed-based care in a homelike environment for veterans who are suffering from a wide range of illnesses or areas of dysfunction, including medical, psychiatric, vocational, educational, or social problems. The therapeutic community model is used to facilitate progress and change and opportunities are readily provided for community interaction and vocational involvement.

Veterans Integrated Services Network

The VHA Healthcare System is divided into 21 regions known as Veterans Integrated Services Networks (VISN). Each network coordinates the administrative and clinical activities within its specified region of the country. Veterans with any questions or concerns can contact their designated VISN for answers or for a referral to a facility that can provide them with the help they need.

Women's Healthcare Services

These days, women are the fastest growing group within the veterans' population and the VA has gradually discovered that they need to do more to meet the medical needs of their female veterans. Most VA hospitals offer services specific to women including primary care, reproductive services, rehabilitation, treatment for military sexual trauma (forced sex or unwanted sexual advances experienced during military service), and mental health services. A Women Veterans Program Manager is on hand at each VA medical center to help coordinate the treatment available for female veterans who need medical attention.

Veterans seeking medical care should contact a VA hospital or medical center, Community Living Center, Domiciliary, or other facility nearby to learn more about their options for treatment. Check out http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp to locate one of the more than 1,500 VA facilities located throughout the continental United States and beyond.