Returning Service Members (OEF/OIF/OND)
National Guard, Reserve and Active Duty
What to Expect from the VA
Homecoming
Health Care Enrollment: During demobilization, expect a briefing on VA health care and dental benefits, including assistance in completing the VA application for health care enrollment.
You will receive official notification of your VA enrollment within 2 weeks. During this time, you are eligible to receive care at any of our 152 VA medical centers. You may also visit one of our Vet centers, located in communities across the country.
Reintegration
Connecting with the VA: You may receive a call from a VA representative to thank you for your service and help connect you with local VA services and benefits. You may request further information to be sent to you electronically or by mail.
Post-Deployment Health Reassessment (PDHRA) survey: 3-6 months after you return, you will be asked to complete this survey at your military unit or online, helping identify key areas where you may benefit from VA services. Make an appointment at your local VA to further evaluate any post-deployment concerns.
Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program: Speak to a VA representative at one of these events, which help service members and loved ones connect with local resources before, during, and after deployment.
Welcome Home Events: Each VA Medical Center provides an annual open house to help welcome home our service members and connect each with benefits and services provided on site.
Transition Assistance
National Guard/Reserve coordinators provide additional assistance with applying for and accessing VA benefits. They are assigned to the Office of the Adjutant General in each state.
VA Case Managers with Warrior Transition Units (WTU), Community Based WTUs and Wounded Warrior Regiments provide assistance in enrolling in VA health care and rehabilitation programs from VA's Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program.
Next Steps
Learn more about how the VA can help you take the next step in your career, from career resources to education benefits on the OEF/OIF benefits website.
Eligibility
Reserve and National Guard members may be eligible for VA benefits under certain conditions. Learn more in the Reserve and National Guard chapter of the Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors booklet.
Social Media
Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date on VA benefits and services, and connect with a community of OEF OIF Veterans and supporters.
National Guard/Reserve Service Sites
- Air Force Reserve Personnel Center (Fact Sheet)
- Air Force Personnel Services Website
- Air National Guard
- Army National Guard
- Marine Forces Reserve
- Naval Reserve
- US Coast Guard Reserve
Links will take you outside the Department of Veterans Affairs web site.
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