Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center - Houston, Texas
Returning Service Members
The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center is grateful to the men and women who risk their lives to fight terrorism in Afghanistan, Iraq, and many other places around the world. The VA has developed special programs to serve the nation's newest Veterans - the men and women who served in Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND) — by assisting them with a smooth transition from active duty to civilian life. VA’s goal is to ensure every seriously injured or ill serviceman and woman returning from combat receives easy access to benefits and world-class service. The Transition and Care Management Program provides assistance to all Post 911 Veterans transitioning from DOD to VA Healthcare.
Veterans’ Environment of Recovery (ROVER) Program
Combat Veterans who served during OEF/OIF/OND War Era with a PTSD diagnosis are eligible to seek treatment in the Returning OEF/OIF/OND Veterans’ Environment of Recovery (ROVER) Program. ROVER is an intensive treatment program designed specifically for combat Veterans with a primary diagnosis of PTSD and other co-occurring disorders. Find out more here.
Women's Inpatient Specialty Environment of Recovery (WISER)
WISER is a trauma-informed, intensive treatment approach tailored specifically for women Veterans with a diagnosis of PTSD, mood or anxiety disorder, and co-occurring substance abuse/dependence. WISER programming is grounded in the highest level of trauma-focused evidence-based treatments, which are provided mostly in group therapy. WISER is a 4-5 week program housed in an inpatient, psychiatric setting at the Houston VA Medical Center. Find out more here.
Special Eligibility and Coordination of Care for Combat Veterans Serving in Combat Theater After 11/11/1998- Returning Servicemembers (OEF/OIF/OND)
The Post-9/11 Transition and Care Management Program offers transitional assistance, case management and outreach services to all Veterans who have served after September 11, 2001 in their transition to civilian life. For more information about the various programs available for recent returning service members, log on to the Returning Servicemembers web site.
Veterans who served in a theater of combat operations also have special eligibility for VA health care. Under the "Combat Veteran" authority VA provides cost-free health care services and nursing home care for conditions possibly related to military service and enrollment in Priority Group 6 or higher for 5 years from the date of discharge or release from active duty, unless eligible for enrollment in a higher priority group.
Combat Veterans who enroll with VA under this enhanced Combat Veteran authority will continue to be enrolled even after their enhanced eligibility period ends, although they may be shifted to Priority Group 7 or 8, depending on their income level, and required to make applicable copays. Additionally, for care not related to combat service, copays may be required depending on their financial assessment and other special eligibility factors.
NOTE: The 5-year enrollment period applicable to these Veterans begins on the discharge or separation date of the service member from active duty military service, or in the case of multiple call-ups, the most recent discharge date.
