VA Eye Glasses and Hearing Aids



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The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) not only covers eye examinations and audiology tests and writes eyeglass and hearing aid prescriptions for all its eligible patients. In many cases it also covers eyeglasses and hearing aids---even for some non-service-connected Priority 5 and 7 patients (generally, veterans honorably- or generally-discharged after at least two years’ service with incomes under about $35,000). The little-known Veterans' Health Administration Directive 2002-039 of July 5, 2002 [paragraph 4.a.(1)] authorizes eyeglasses and hearing aids for:

those getting service-connected compensation for any reason or at any percentage;
former prisoners of war and Purple Heart recipients;
those getting Housebound or Aid and Attendance increments to needs-based disability Pensions;
those needing eyeglasses or hearing aids due to any other (even non-service-connected) medical cause; and
those with any other functional or cognitive impairment-- as shown by Activities of Daily Living (ADL) functional deficiency(ies) --who need eyeglasses or hearing aids to participate in their own care.
Replacements are allowed in cases of loss and breakage and for new or changed prescriptions. Hearing aids, without a prescription change or loss, must last 4 years. Issuance of spares is determined by the VA audiiologist or eye care specialist. Although general information on the VA website may wrongly suggest that the above benefits are restricted to those with service-connected disabilities and other limited groups, in fact Directive 2002-039 remains fully in force.

The VA ordinarily offers comprehensive dental services only to 100% disabled, service-connected veterans and those held as prisoners of war over 90 days; but other, non-service-connected veterans may apply to the VA, no later than 3 to 6 months after discharge, to get dental treatment that wasn’t completed while on active duty. For qualified cases, the VA may then pre-authorize some treatment with approved private dentists. VA health centers are listed at www.VA.gov.