Most veterans must prove that a medical problem is connected to their military service to receive free VA care for that condition, or they must have relatively low incomes. However, since November 11, 1998, VA has been authorized to provide free medical care for some veterans within two years after leaving active duty. Those veterans must have served in a combat zone or in comparable hostilities. They don't have to prove either a service-connection for their health care problems or that they have low incomes.

The benefit does not cover treatment for medical problems clearly unrelated to military service, such as care for common colds, injuries from accidents that happened after discharge from active duty and disorders that existed before joining the military.

To receive free medical care, veterans must be able to show that they served since Nov. 11, 1998, in a theater of combat operations or in combat against a hostile force. The coverage lasts for two years after discharge from active duty. It applies to VA hospital care, outpatient services and nursing home care.

National Guard and Reserve personnel who served in combat will, in most cases, be eligible. After two years veterans will be subject to the same eligibility and enrollment rules as other veterans. Combat veterans should not wait to enroll for medical care with the nearest VA Medical Center. If you feel you meet the criteria described above, go to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Benefits web site to complete an enrollment application and then hand-carry the form to the nearest VA Medical Center for processing. If you need help with the application form or want to have a local County Veteran Service Office complete the application for you, visit the County Veteran Service Officers web site to locate the nearest office in your area.