Combat vets get
2 years of free care

Answer: VA health care is available to veterans, including National Guard and reservists, who served on active duty in a theater of combat operations, after the Gulf War, or in combat against a hostile force during "a period of hostilities" after Nov. 11, 1998. This policy is not limited to hospital care and includes other appropriate medical care and nursing home care, as well. The two-year period begins when the military member is discharged or retires from active duty. It is expected that during this time veterans' claims for disability compensation for these injuries, illnesses or medical conditions will be adjudicated. If veterans' claims are approved as service-connected, they will be placed in the appropriate group and continue to receive care without a copayment. If their claim is disapproved, they may still be able to receive care, but they may be required to make a copayment. For information, call 433-0600. To file a service-connected disability claim, call the VA at 827-1000.

Q: My husband served in World War II and recently passed away. How do I go about obtaining a presidential memorial certificate?

A: Certificates are issued upon request to recognize the military service of honorably discharged deceased veterans. Next of kin, other relatives and friends may request them in person at any VA regional office or by mail to Presidential Memorial Certificates, Department of Veterans Affairs, 5109 Russell Road, Quantico, VA 22143-3909. Requests should include a copy, not the original, of the deceased veteran's discharge document and address the certificate should be sent. Additional information can be found on the Internet at www.cem.va.gov/pmc.htm .