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Returning service member care

VA Black Hills health care provides health care and other benefits to the newest Veterans returning from service, even if you are still on active duty or an activated member of the National Guard or Reserve. Talk to a care coordinator about making use of your health care benefits.

Connect with a care coordinator

Anita R Hartl, MSW, CSW-PIP
Post 9/11 M2VA Program Manager/Case Manager
2165 Promise Road
Rapid City, SD 57701

Anita.Hartl@va.gov


Victoria (Tori) Tappe, LMSW 
Post 9/11 M2VA Case Manager
113 Commanche Road
Fort Meade, SD 57741
or
Victoria.Tappe@va.gov

 

About Military2VA (M2VA)

Program at VA Black Hills Health Care System offers transition assistance and outreach services to all Veterans who have served in combat since November 11, 1998. Our program can help you receive the health care services you may want or need, as well as provide you and your family the following support and service options as you make the transition from active duty to civilian life.

Care we provide at VA Black Hills health care

We can help you access service and benefit programs tailored to the needs of returning service members, including:

  • Polytrauma care
  • Rehabilitation
  • Mental health care
  • Counseling
  • Family benefits counseling
  • Referral assistance

Post deployment/service comprehensive health assessments and ongoing medical care is provided through the Patient Aligned Care Teams (PACT) located throughout VA Black Hills Health Care Systems.

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.

Vet Centers

Vet Centers are counseling centers that help Veterans readjust after deployment. The Vet Center for the VA Black Hills Healthcare System provides counseling for individuals, groups, married couples, and families. They also provide guidance and referrals for other VA and community resources.

Learn more about Vet Centers

  • When to contact a patient advocate at VA Black Hills and how they can help.

  • Learn what benefits VA offers to Post-9/11 Veterans (previously called the OEF/OIF/OND Program).

  • If you're on active duty in the United States uniformed services, including active National Guard and Reserve, you may be eligible for benefits both during service and after separation or retirement. Find out which benefits you qualify for and when to apply.

  • If you’re serving on active duty, including as a returning OEF/OIF/OND service member, find out how to apply for VA health care once you’ve received your separation or retirement orders. Your eligibility for VA health care and other health care coverage depends on your service history and other factors.

  • Compare VA-approved institutions and review other information to choose the educational program that works best for you.

  • Almost all Service members will have reactions after returning from deployment. These behaviors and feelings are normal, especially during the first weeks at home. Despite the challenges of reintegration, most Service members will successfully readjust with few problems. However, seeking solutions to problems is a sign of strength. Don't hesitate to take advantage of the resources that are available to you and your loved ones.

  • VA’s Polytrauma System of Care (PSC) is a network of specialized rehabilitation programs dedicated to serving Veterans and Service Members with both combat and civilian related Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and polytrauma. Services available through PCS include: interdisciplinary evaluation and treatment, development of a comprehensive plan of care, case management, patient and family education and training, psychosocial support, and more.

  • We are the world's leading research and educational center of excellence on PTSD and traumatic stress. PTSD is a mental health problem that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, like combat, a natural disaster, a car accident, or sexual assault. It's normal to have upsetting memories, feel on edge, or have trouble sleeping after this type of event.

  • The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) is for eligible Veterans who have incurred or aggravated a serious injury in the line of duty on or before May 7, 1975 or on or after September 11, 2001. This program provides resources, education, support, a financial stipend, and health insurance (if eligible), beneficiary travel (if eligible), to caregivers of eligible Veterans.

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