Vets in prison might
have some benefits reduced

Answer: VA can pay certain benefits to veterans who are incarcerated in a federal, state or local penal institution. However, the amount paid depends on the type of benefit and reason for incarceration.

For example, VA disability compensation will be reduced beginning with the 61st day of imprisonment for a felony. If the payment before going to prison was $210 or more, the new payment amount will be $108. If the payment is $108 before imprisonment, the new payment will be $54.

If the veteran is released from incarceration -- participated in a work release or halfway house program, paroled or completed sentence -- the compensation payments will not be reduced.

If a veteran is imprisoned in a federal, state or local penal institution as the result of conviction of a felony or misdemeanor, and if receiving a VA disability pension, that pension will be discontinued effective on the 61st day of imprisonment following conviction.

While in prison, veterans do not forfeit their eligibility for medical care. Current regulations restrict VA from providing hospital and outpatient care to a veteran who is an inmate in an institution of another government agency when that agency has a duty to give the care or services. However, VA may provide care once the veteran has been unconditionally released from the penal institution.

For more information, contact the VA Honolulu Regional Office at (800) 827-1000.

Q: Is the VA involved in any HIV and AIDS treatment and research?

A: The nation's largest, single provider of health care to those infected with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the Department of Veterans Affairs. About 55,000 veterans with HIV infection and AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) have been treated in VA since the disease was first recognized in the U.S. in 1981. VA conducts wide-ranging research in HIV/AIDS, from basic studies of the mechanisms of AIDS to clinical trials and assessments of health services delivery.

More information can be found at www.va.gov/chrr and www.publichealth.va.gov.