Question: Is the Department of Veterans Affairs going to offer health care to veterans who do not have a service connected disability?

Answer: The VA will reopen enrollment in its health care system by July 2009 to about 265,000 veterans whose incomes exceed current limits. Congress provided funds in VA's fiscal year 2009 budget to support the new enrollment. In 1996, Congress established a priority-based enrollment system for VA and a uniform package of medical benefits for all enrollees. The legislation required that each year the VA assess veterans' demand for services and determine if the necessary resources are available to provide timely, quality care to all enrollees. Enrollment for the lowest priority of the eight groups - veterans who are not being compensated for a military-related disability and who have incomes above a set threshold - was suspended in 2003. The VA's computer systems are being modified to accommodate the changes. The rule will take effect by June 30.

Q: How can I find out the status of a headstone or marker order?

A: If more than 30 days have passed since submitting your application, call the VA applicant assistance unit to verify receipt. If more than 60 days have passed since submitting your application and the grave is still not marked, you may want to contact the cemetery, funeral home, or other party responsible for accepting delivery of the headstone or marker, to see if they have received it. If they have not received it, call the VA applicant assistance unit between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (ET), Monday through Friday, at the toll-free number 1-800-697-6947.

If you have questions about your benefits as a veteran, call Fred Ballard at the Department of Veterans Affairs at 433-0049.