Healthcare Info for Women Veterans

All female veterans enrolled and eligible for VA care are offered free mammogram and Pap smears for detection of breast cancer and cervical cancer. This does not, however, include Priority Group 8. The Department of Veterans Affairs does not have the authorization to provide care to newborns and, therefore, does not deliver babies at any facility even to enrolled female members. The VA will however, help me with providing information on community resources for the female veterans. In the case of a permanently and totally disabled service-connected pregnant veteran who, after delivering their child, finds the child is not eligible for care under Tricare could possibly enroll the infant for coverage under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of VA.

Sexual Assault

VA offers treatment both inpatient and outpatient to women veterans suffering from sexual assault or rape. The VA Women Veterans Coordinator should be contacted for a referral to help those dealing with sexism or current abusive relationships. The VA National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder located in Boston has a women's veterans division and four stress disorder treatment teams available to offer assistance. Those veterans diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder resulting from sexual harassment or sexual assault when on active duty or as a result of war zone stress could be eligible for service-connected disability and should contact their local VA coordinator for more help in determining their eligibility. The following list of evidence can be submitted as proof of the claim:

  • Medical records for the treatment of injury resulting from the assault but not reported
  • Civilian police report
  • Crisis relief center reports
  • Private civilian records
  • Statements of testimony from both civilian and military friends, coworkers, family and clergy
  • Military records and awards
  • Military assignment change requests
  • Increase in leave request or sick leave
  • Change in military performance evaluations
  • Personal journal or diary
  • Compulsive behavior
  • Substance abuse
  • Increased use of medication either prescription or over-the-counter
  • Request for testing or counseling for sexually-transmitted diseases or HIV
  • Request for pregnancy testing
  • Counseling statements in personnel file
  • Child protective service reports due to domestic violence
  • Ending of marriage or relationships