VA Programs for Women

The VA has responded to the growing number of female veterans by creating and expanding programs made specifically for women. The following are some of the programs offered:

MENTAL HEALTH AND SEXUAL ABUSE COUNSELING

• VA is committed to assist women veterans with a wide range of mental health and psychosocial services. The services include sexual trauma counseling, substance abuse treatment, and evaluation and treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In addition, there are programs for homeless women veterans, victims of domestic violence, and Vocational Rehabilitation.
• Women veterans seeking assistance may call 1-800-827-1000 for referral to a trained sexual trauma counselor.

MEDICAL SERVICES FOR WOMEN VETERANS

As part of VA's continuum of health care services, women veterans receive preventive health attention. Unless contrary to medical indications, each woman veteran receiving VA care will be offered regular Pap smears and mammograms. In addition to preventive services, the high quality medical services available to women veterans include:

• Primary care
• Gender-specific care
• Reproductive health care
• Evaluation and treatment for osteoporosis

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

• VA is the largest health care system providing education and training to health professionals. The Women Veterans Health Program aims to enhance the equity and quality of health care for women veterans and to promote information exchange and training of health-care providers to meet the health needs of women veterans more comprehensively.

Training methodologies include:

• Women's Health Fellowship Programs
• Resident training
• Allied Health academic training
• Video/satellite training
• Clinical updates in contemporary women's health issues
• Mini-residencies
• Sensitivity training
• Customer service

COMPENSATION FOR WOMEN VETERANS

• VBA has assigned Women Veterans Coordinators in all VA Regional Offices to assist women veterans with development of claims. These coordinators have been trained to assist in handling claims for gender-specific conditions and claims based on sexual trauma.
• Regional office staffs make women who file claims based on sexual trauma fully aware that they can receive priority care for personal trauma counseling at a VA Medical Center even if they do not have a VA disability rating. For more information, call 1-800-827-1000.

NATIONAL CEMETERY ADMINISTRATION

• Women veterans discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces under conditions other than dishonorable are eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery. For more information, call 1-800-827-1000 and speak with a Veterans Benefits Counselor.

For more information visit The VA Website

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