Seamless Transition

The most common health problems of veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom have been musculoskeletal ailments, principally joint and back disorders,and dental problems. Seamless Transition Program It is our duty and privilege to provide veterans with the best available care. VA has set up a special program designed to meet the specific needs of veterans returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). It is called the Seamless Transition Program. Many of our veterans have suffered illness and injury related to the Global War on Terrorism. It is our goal to make sure these veterans receive the highest quality of care in a timely manner. VA Healthcare Network Upstate New York will continue to look at the needs of OIF/OEF veterans and provide services to meet those needs. We encourage you to let us know how we can improve our service to you, the deserving veteran. Available Health Care Services: Outpatient medical/primary care Hospital and community living center care Dental Pharmacy and prescriptions Mental health care (counseling, addiction therapy, posttraumatic stress disorder treatment, etc.) Sexual trauma counseling Readjustment counseling Alcohol and drug dependency treatment Prosthetic services Specialized health care for women veterans Outreach programs for homeless veterans Medical evaluation for military service exposure, including: Gulf War, Agent Orange, Ionizing Radiation, and certain other environmental hazards For additional information about health care services that are available to you, go to the VA Seamless Transition Web site. Eligibility The primary factor in determining basic eligibility for VA benefits is “veteran status.” Active duty in the Armed Forces with a discharge or release from active service under conditions other than dishonorable conditions establishes veteran status Reservist or National Guard members can establish eligibility for VA health care benefits only if federally activated Reservists who are never called to active duty may qualify for some benefits through the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) Veterans who served on active duty in combat support or direct combat operations during a period of war after the Gulf War, or against a hostile force during a period of hostilities after November 11, 1998. Veterans under this authority may be enrolled as priority category 6 and are eligible for the full medical benefits package; as such they are not subject to co-payments for care potentially related to their combat service for a period of 24 months from the date of discharge from active duty, recorded on the DD214. Online Enrollment To receive health care benefits all veterans must enroll. You may enroll online at www.va.gov. Click on the “Apply Online,” then go to “Health Eligibility.” This will bring you to the electronic application for health care benefits (Form 10-10EZ). You can also get enrollment information and assistance at any Veterans Service Center at any VA Medical Center or clinic. Homecoming after Deployment With deployment comes change. Knowing what to expect and how to deal with changes can make homecoming more enjoyable and less stressful. Expectations: You may miss the excitement of the deployment for a while Spouses may have become more independent and learned new coping skills You may not want to talk about it when others keep asking You may wonder if you still fit into the family Tips: Support good things your family has done Take time to listen and talk with loved ones Be patient with yourself and family members Be aware that your family may not be the same as before; everyone may have changed Transition Patient Advocate Program The transition from Military Service to civilian life can be challenging. VA Healthcare Network Upstate New York has Transition Patient Advocates to support you through this process and serve as your advocate. If you are an Operation Enduring Freedom or Iraqi Freedom veteran and have concerns about eligibility, health care or other benefits, our Transition Patient Advocates are available to assist you. Transition Patient Advocates: Name Locations Covered Number Michael Calloway Albany, Bath and Canandaigua (800) 792-4334 ext. 52816 Melissa Krul Syracuse, Western New York and Fort Drum (800) 792-4334 ext. 52767 For eligibility and enrollment questions: Name Location Number James Arrington Albany (518) 626-6721 April Reber Bath (607) 664-4899 Deborah James Canandaigua (585) 393-7347 Paul Denis Syracuse (315) 425-4400 ext. 54335 Denise Keefe Western New York (315) 425-4400 ext. 54335 Fran Peters Network (518) 626-7339 Fred Bush Network (315) 425-4400 Ext. 52719 The Veterans Service Contact Center can also be contacted at 1-888-823-9656. For clinical issues/questions: Visit the Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom Clinical Points of Contact Web site.

Returning Iraqi and Afghanistan Veterans

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