VA covers eyeglasses
for Purple Heart vets

Answer: The VA has been authorized to provide sensory-neural aids (i.e., eyeglasses, contact lenses, hearing aids) to seven specific groups of veterans. The first four groups consist of veterans with the highest priority under VA's enrollment system, generally those with compensable service-connected disabilities, former prisoners of war, and those receiving increased VA pension based on their being housebound or in need of regular aid and attendance. The law also allows veterans awarded the Purple Heart to priority equal to former prisoners of war under VA's enrollment system. For further information on eyeglasses, contact lenses and hearing aids, contact the VA Medical Center at 433-0604.

Q: I do a lot of volunteer work with children. What can I do to help youngsters understand what it means to be a veteran?

A: Sharing your personal experience of military service can influence young people who don't have family members who are veterans. You don't have to be a combat veteran. Many veterans' service organizations have formal programs in which members visit schools. The VA has a Web site to help young people understand what it means to be a veteran. It's called VA Kids, and it's located on the Internet at www.va.gov/kids. The Web page has three major areas -- one for students in kindergarten through grade 5, a second section for grades 6 through 12 and a final section for teachers. VA Kids has interactive activities such as puzzles, coloring pages and matching contests. It also has information about VA, Veterans Day, scholarships and links to veteran-related sites. The teachers' section contains additional information, links and suggested classroom activities.