Since Pathfinder Labs, Inc. lists all of the VA facilities from VBA to VHA to Cemeteries, it helps to know which one is which when looking for the right place to go. And it's not always easy to figure out: The Department of Veterans Affairs is the second largest - complete with second largest bankroll - department in the United States government, and the only larger office is the Department of Defense. With nearly 20 million living Veterans (nearly 70% of whom are over age 55) plus their eligible Spouses, Caregivers, and Dependents it is no surprise the office has grown to this size since its formation as an official Executive Branch department in 1989.
VA has existed in some form since the ratification of the Constitution in 1789 adopted obligations to the new country’s Veteran population and it has always covered an increasingly diverse range of benefits. In 1930, President Hoover merged several benefits under one office, but there are still different titles, acronyms, and even facility names that can confuse a new Veteran or their Family.
So who are these people, and what is it they say they do here? We broke it down and defined the main facilities one might encounter in military transition:
Veteran Benefits Administration (VBA). This is the big one, though many don’t know it. This office is actually the first place one should enter when leaving the service, even if they do not believe they qualify for benefits. Generally speaking, VBA offices provide access to the services to those who have served on active duty (outside of training) for some period of time, and who are discharged with a General or Honorable discharge. There are nuances, however, so it never hurts to check your eligibility. Those at a local VBA can break down what a Veteran qualifies for, enroll the Veteran into different benefits like education or housing, and be the actual initial processing point for health compensation and pension (C&P) claims and appeals. So in order to qualify for your disability or your GI Bill, you need to visit the VBA first. You can also go online to VA website and enroll there, particularly if you are in a rural community or not near the closest VBA. Note they do not usually generate your VA ID; for that you have to go to the nearest hospital or clinic after enrolling online or at the VBA. And, to confuse matters a little more, VA issues Veteran IDs to any Veteran regardless of service or discharge status that can provide a proof of Veteran status for requesting state and other benefits (but this is not your VA ID used at a VA Hospital) and can be requested through the VA website and at certain VBA facilities. VBA is also where you get paperwork for other benefits such as home loan qualification, education benefits like vocational rehabilitation and employment (VOCREHAB) or GI Bill, and more. Check out our search page and enter your zip code to see which VBA covers your area.
Then there are the medical and other facilities:
VA Medical Center (VAMC). These are the hospitals, the bigger facilities with all the accoutrements of a civilian hospital without the insurance processors. This includes everything from Primary Care and Pharmacy to surgical departments, radiology, and more. Most specialists and treatment options can be taken care of in-house at these facilities.
Outpatient Clinics and Community Based Outpatient Clinics (OPC and CBOC). Focused on Primary Care, Mental Health services, Pharmacy, and some other basic needs, these clinics are not meant to provide the full range of services. They are more common in rural areas or as subsets to a VAMC, and they work in conjunction with Independent Outpatient Clinics (IOC) and other approved facilities to continue expanding care across the country. They are smaller, and wait times may be longer in areas that have a lot of Veterans and few alternative options such on the outskirts of some of the major military bases.
Vet Centers and Mobile Vet Centers (VC and MVC). Vet Centers are primarily a mental health resource in separate offices around the United States, not located in or on the grounds of a VAMC or clinic. They are a part of the Veterans Health Administration but do not share record systems or doctors with VA hospitals or clinics, an important note for those considering mental health services but unsure if they want to use VA. Records of visits for psychological services at one of these centers do not transfer to the Veteran’s VHA record or provider, and are confidential. These centers also provide some support to Veteran Caregivers in terms of counseling and assistance, but are not a link to Veteran or Family benefits (that’s the VHA). They primarily focus on combat Veterans, but Vietnam Era Veterans with no combat duty may seek care at a VC or MVC if they sought care at one of these facilities prior to 2004. Veterans with any discharge status can seek emergency mental health care at any VA, and discharge status does not affect seeking care at a Vet Center at any time.
VA Outreach Clinics and VA Rehabilitation Centers, Community Service Program, and more. Specialty services are a part of VA because of the diverse needs in the population. Substance abuse centers outside of the hospital network provide help to those struggling with addiction; outreach clinics provide assistance to homeless Veterans; rehabilitation and senior living centers exist as longer-term care options as well.
When most people talk about “The VA” they are referring to acute medical treatment, but VA does much more. Only about half of the living Veterans are registered with VA, having used one benefit or another over time, but that number could be higher if resources were a little less intimidating. It is confusing with a whole new world of acronyms and access, but taking advantage of services offered can be critical to success. Getting familiar with the basics is the first step.