17 Benefits Veterans and Their Families Should Take Advantage Of

General Medical Benefits

Most veterans who enlisted after Sept. 7, 1980, and served at least 24 consecutive months are eligible for VA health care. Vets with service-connected disabilities, Vietnam and Persian Gulf veterans, former POWs, and Purple Heart and Medal of Honor recipients are among those who get priority when applying.

The care isn’t necessarily free; for many the cost is tied to income. But veterans are eligible even if they have private health insurance, which may kick in to cover co-pays and other expenses.