Veteran Kidney Disease Benefits
Home | Kidney Disease Benefits | Learn About Kidney Disease | VHA Dialysis Facilities | eKidney Clinic | VA Kidney Health YouTube
The Veterans Health Benefits Guide and Health Care Benefits Overview details the information Veterans and their families need to understand eligibility requirements, the enrollment process, and services available in VA’s healthcare system. Listed below are some common benefits related to kidney disease and dialysis services.
Beneficiary Travel
You may be eligible for mileage reimbursement or special mode transportation in connection with receiving dialysis or other VA healthcare services. Please visit VA’s Beneficiary Travel Benefits Page to see if you qualify.
Dialysis Care
The VA provides healthcare services to Veterans with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), whether or not they have a service-connected or non-service connected status. Dialysis care is a covered benefit under VA’s Medical Benefits Package for Veterans enrolled in the VA. This includes Veterans who have been previously diagnosed with CKD.
Disability
Veterans can download the Kidney Conditions (Nephrology) Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) to assist in the disability evaluation process. Please follow the instructions on the VA Disability Benefits Page for completing and submitting your completed DBQ form.
Exposures
Under a new law signed August 6, 2012, Veterans and families on active duty and living near Camp Lejeune, North Carolina for more than 30 days between 1957-1987 may be eligible for medical care through the VA for Renal (kidney) Toxicity or other health conditions due to potential exposure to contaminated drinking water. Contact your local VA Healthcare Facility> to receive care under the new law. Family members will receive care after Congress appropriates funds and VA publishes regulations. To learn more about the Camp Lejeune Act visit VA’s Public Health Website.
Geriatrics and Extended Care
VA’s Geriatrics and Extended Care Program offers long term care in hospice services, respite care, domiciliary care, and adult day health care for aging and chronically ill Veterans. Visit the VA Geriatrics and Extended Care Page to apply for benefits.
Home Improvements and Alterations
Eligible Veterans may receive assistance for home improvements necessary for the continuation of treatment under the Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) Program. Examples of what HISA will pay for include improving plumbing and electrical work for dialysis patients. For more information and for instructions on applying for a grant please visit VA’s Home Improvements and Structural Alteration (HISA) Program Page.
Home Dialysis
Self-care dialysis performed by a patient or designated caregiver at his or her home is an alternative to in-center dialysis if the Veteran chooses the VA as his or her provider. Veterans who desire this alternative, and who are medically acceptable candidates, must be provided with the necessary training, medical equipment and supplies, and home support required to perform home dialysis. There are two types of home dialysis, hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Both types must be made available to Veterans by the VA, or through Non-VA Care if the VA facility is unable to provide that service. For more information about home dialysis, please contact the VHA Dialysis Facility closest to you.
Non-VA Care
Non-VA medical care in the Veteran’s community may be provided to eligible Veterans when VA facilities or services are not available. For example, if a Veteran is eligible for certain medical care, the VA hospital should provide it unless they are unable to due to geographical inaccessibility or insufficient capacity. For more information please visit the Non-VA Care Website.
Social Workers
VA Social Workers can help Veterans and their family members reach many services provided by VA:
- Advocacy
- Assessment
- Case Management
- Crisis Intervention
- Education
- High-risk screening
- Psychotherapy
Transplant
Transplant services are available for Veterans who are eligible. Please visit VA National Transplant Program Page or contact your local VHA Dialysis Facility for more information. Temporary lodging may also be furnished at the discretion of the facility director for Veterans who undergo extensive procedures to include organ transplant. Temporary lodging information can be found in Chapter 3 of the “Medically Related Travel, Lodging, and Per Diem” section of the Veterans Health Benefits Handbook.
