VA Benefits: VA Form10-10EZR Eligibility Question

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 22:14:05 -0400

I'm a little late to the game regarding registering for VA Health benefits. That being said, I received a packet of forms to fill out, one being the 10-10EZ.

The top of the Instruction page states, "The information provided on this form will be used by the VA to determine your eligibility for medical benefits..." Determine your eligibility?

Why in the hell do they need my income information? My income has nothing to do with my status as a veteran, none! The only thing that should be required is honorable service. Am I wrong? Will veterans be denied benefits if they reach a specific income?

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Sep 8 at 2015 10:20 PM

Capt Jeff S. — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 22:20:19 -0400

They are getting ready to cut military benefits and are collecting data. Wouldn't be at all surprised if they ask how many guns you own... ostensibly because you could have PTSD. After all, they're looking out for our best interests. Right?

Response by PFC Joseph Levi made Sep 8 at 2015 10:35 PM

PFC Joseph Levi — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 22:35:27 -0400

They ask for your household income because they put you in a certain category. It will provide them with what deductible you will pay when you go see a Dr. Have tests done, medication, etc. If you are service connected, then you will be in a different category also.

Now if you aren't service connected, and didn't serve during a wartime period, then they go solely on your household income for eligibility.

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Sep 8 at 2015 11:11 PM

TSgt Kenneth Ellis — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 23:11:34 -0400

I used the 10ez. What sucks you have to fill it out every year. If you have health insurance they bill it to defray the cost. i had to pay for my scripts but never a co pay. Plus flu shots are free.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Sep 9 at 2015 2:12 AM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 02:12:47 -0400

The income test is for people who are not disabled veterans or have Purple Hearts, CMOH or POW status... If you are at least 50% disabled or one of the three special categories, income doesn't matter...

Response by SSG Dwight Amey MSA, MSL, BS, AS made Sep 9 at 2015 2:47 AM

SSG Dwight Amey MSA, MSL, BS, AS — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 02:47:03 -0400

Cpl Kirk Sain, Yes, the VA will provide medical care so long as we meet certain criteria. The question of income is to determine our eligibility for free healthcare. I would suggest googling the form online to get a pdf fillable version and submit it directly. Otherwise, contact the nearest VA Hospital or clinic to get connected with their eligibility office. You will need your DD214. If you think you have a injury associated with your service call the administrative offices at [login to see] opt: 1, 0, 4 to ask for instructions on how to be scheduled for an exam, it is free.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Sep 9 at 2015 8:59 AM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 08:59:58 -0400

Anything not covered by Service Connection is eligible for co-pay based on economic status.

Response by Sgt Spencer Sikder made Sep 9 at 2015 9:23 AM

Sgt Spencer Sikder — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 09:23:48 -0400

I thought the income verification stopped this past year or last year as they do that automatically anyway. While you may provide the data, they confirm it with IRS and SS (if I recall correctly). The 10-10EZ is just for healthcare. It's not for determination of service connected disability. That is an altogether different program and is now done all electronically. What I suggest to veterans is if they applied for service connection previously and was denied or didn't obtain what they thought they should have gotten, then develop new evidence, which essentially is new medical documentation. All of this is a bit much to type into this quick response, but there are other blogs on this site which outlines the details. If not enough, I suggest visiting http://www.vawatchdog.org and read some of Jim's blogs on the left side of the page.

Vawatchdog, Progressive Advocacy, inc. - Helping Veterans, Consultation And Representative...

We are helping veterans obtain VA disability benefits by providing legal and medical consultants to speed up claims.

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Sep 9 at 2015 9:41 AM

PO3 Steven Sherrill — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 09:41:10 -0400

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member from what I have read, and I could be wrong, the VA uses the income information to determine if a co-pay is a part of your health eligibility. I don't think it applies to all veterans. I know that it will be something that applies to me when I complete the forms.

Response by SPC Nancy Greene made Dec 19 at 2019 2:12 AM

SPC Nancy Greene — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 02:12:12 -0500

They Shouldn’t! However, the ‘doorknobs’ within the VA are instructed to Deny initial claim! Hoping that will discourage the Veteran from filing claims! Also check out Their ‘combined condition’ rating! How do you have a certified 0% rating? Or have numerous individual ratings:
20%, 45%, a another 50% rating; add up at the 60% Rating?!

Response by LCDR Gordon Lane made Aug 11 at 2021 6:21 PM

LCDR Gordon Lane — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 18:21:44 -0400

If your income is over a certain amount you will be charged $25 or $50 for a specialist,