Veterans’ Services

Overview

The need for health services, including mental-health services, for veterans has increased greatly in recent years due to the number of service personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Veterans returning from combat often have a difficult readjustment to civilian life due to physical injuries, traumatic brain injury (TBI), depression, anxiety, and/or posttraumatic stress. Combat veterans experience a high incidence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as anxiety, depression, bereavement and family stress. Suicide rates have been increasing since 2004 in combat arenas and among veterans after they return from combat.

Absence from family and daily civilian jobs can put a strain on personal, family and employee-employer relationships as well as create financial stressors. These effects may be compounded by multiple deployments. Support is available for veterans and their families in dealing with such complex circumstances. Veterans are encouraged to contact their local U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) office (see below).

Veterans experiencing emotional crisis should call the toll-free VA Suicide Hotline: (800) 273-8255. Veterans may also call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room for crisis care.

Veterans' Health Services

Veterans’ healthcare is provided by VA Medical Centers, VA Outpatient Clinics and Vet Center Programs. VA Medical Centers provide comprehensive inpatient care. VA Outpatient Clinics provide access for veterans to a primary-care practitioner (PCP). Services at the outpatient clinics may include: preventative health screening and vaccinations, basic laboratory services, medications, information/referral to community healthcare resources and assistance in applying for VA medical benefits. The Vet Center Program provides Readjustment Counseling Services for combat veterans and their family members. Services at the Vet Centers may include: individual counseling, group counseling, alcohol/drug assessments, marital and family counseling, bereavement counseling, information and referral to community resources, employment counseling and guidance, sexual trauma counseling (for trauma occurring while in the military) and assistance in applying for VA benefits.

Veterans Health Administration (VHA): Health and mental-health services for veterans are administered by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), which provides the largest integrated continuum of care in the United States. The basic requirements for eligibility are based on active military service of at least 24 months (or, in the case of reservists and/or National Guard personnel, having completed the full period ordered for active duty). Discharges from the military must have been for conditions other than dishonorable, and there are certain VA benefits that require service during wartime.

Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors: This online publication provides a complete description of types of services, eligibility requirements, and how levels of benefits are determined. It is published by the Department of Veterans Affairs. This PDF document is also available in print form through the Government Printing Office bookstore (bookstore.gpo.gov) or by calling (866) 512–1800 (toll-free).

Veterans’ Healthcare Eligibility: More information on veterans’ government health benefits.

Veterans’ Mental Health: Information specifically on mental-health issues related to veterans.

Readjustment Counseling Centers: Vet Centers provide readjustment counseling and outreach services to all veterans who served in any combat zone. Services are also available for their family members for military-related issues.

MyHealtheVet: MyHealtheVet is the gateway to veteran health benefits and services. It provides access to health information, links to gederal and VA benefits and resources, the Personal Health Journal and online VA prescription refill. In the future, registrants will be able to view appointments, copay balances and key portions of their VA medical records online.

National Center for PTSD: The center aims to help U.S. veterans and others through research, education and training on trauma and PTSD.

HealthInfoSource: Additional information about depression, anxiety and PTSD is available on the health topics section of this website.

Local/Regional Healthcare Service Locations

VA Medical Centers provide comprehensive inpatient care:: Cheyenne VA Medical Center, 2360 East Pershing Blvd., Cheyenne, WY 82001, (307) 778-7550, (888) 483-9127 (toll-free); Denver VA Medical Center, 1055 Clermont Street, Denver, CO 80220, (303) 399-8020

VA Outpatient Clinics provide access for veterans to a primary-care practitioner:: Fort Collins VA Medical Clinic, 2509 Research Blvd., Fort Collins, CO 80526, (970) 224-1550; Greeley VA Medical Clinic, 2020 16th Street, Greeley, CO 80631, (970) 313-2124

Vet Centers provide readjustment counseling:: Fort Collins Vet Center, 2509 Research Blvd., Fort Collins, CO 80526, (970) 224-1550, ext. 3; Cheyenne Vet Center, 3219 E. Pershing Blvd., Cheyenne, WY 82001, (307) 778-7370

More Local Resources for Veterans

Larimer County Veterans Service Office: The Veteran Service Officer and staff serve as advocates for veterans, their families and survivors. They will assist in applying for VA benefits and filing claims and provide information and outreach services. Appointments for Loveland and Estes Park can be scheduled by calling the Fort Collins office: 200 W. Oak Street (5th floor), Fort Collins, (970) 498-7390.

Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs): American Legion, Post #4: 2124 N. Highway 287, Fort Collins, CO 80524, (970) 224-1669; Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1781: 603 Lesser Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80524, (970) 493-9909.

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