From the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to Women Veterans  

December 12, 2002

Dear Women Veterans:

     The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to meeting the unique health care needs of our Nation’s 1.4 million women veterans.  The VA health care system is now focused on disease prevention, early detection, health promotion, and ease of access.  In the last four years, VA opened more than 400 community-based clinics, bringing the total number of ambulatory care and outpatient clinics to over 850.  VA is authorized to provide a full continuum of health care services to eligible women veterans including gender-specific care.  Eight Women Veterans Comprehensive Health Centers have been established to develop new programs for meeting the specific needs of female veterans, and each VA medical center and regional office has a women veterans coordinator available to provide information on benefits and services.  

     In addition to general medical and gynecological care, VA offers special services for veterans who have suffered sexual trauma while serving in the military.  Our dedicated, compassionate professionals can provide confidential counseling and treatment for the residual effects of sexual trauma.  Treatment and counseling are available even if the victim did not report the incident while serving on active duty.  Eligible veterans may also receive VA disability compensation for disabilities or injury resulting from sexual trauma that can be linked to their military service.

     If you require assistance with health issues, please contact your local VA medical center, vet center, or community based outpatient clinic.  You may find the locations and telephone numbers of facilities at http://www.va.gov/sta.  If you have questions regarding disability or other monetary benefits, please call our national toll-free telephone number, 1-800-827-1000.  Information related specifically to women veterans’ benefits issues may be found at www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Topics/Women/index.htm.

     Please contact us if you require assistance.  We are here to help, and we offer a wide array of services and benefits designed to address the specific needs of women veterans.    

                                                                        Sincerely yours,   

                                                                       Anthony J. Principi
                                                                       Secretary of Veterans Affairs

Word Document Version

Call Toll Free at 1-800-827-1000

Addresses and phone numbers for VA benefits offices and health care facilities in your local community can be found at: The VA Facility and Leadership Directory 

Do you have a specific concern or comment about VA programs and services for women veterans?  Contact VA Women Veteran Program Officials.

Remember, most VA facilities have a Women Veterans Coordinator to assist you in applying for VA benefit programs and health care services.  Contact your local Coordinator today. 

Please send your comments on this page to The Center for Women Veterans Contact the VA  Write to: Department of Veterans Affairs Central Office (00W) 810 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20420

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Reviewed/Updated: January 29, 2003