Veteran's Affairs Facilities and Health Benefits

For the US Veterans, ensure you complete your VA application process before you leave your duty station (if at all possible).  This will allow you to avoid the hassle and lengthy appointment process of trying to enter the local VA system and completing your benefits application.

The regional VA center is the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, located at 820 S. Damen Ave, west of the Loop.  You will need a car to get there.  If you are just looking to enroll, and do not wish to see a doctor, you can visit one of the outpatient clinics, such as the one downtown at 211 E. Ontario.

But for the most part, if you want to see a specialist, or if you need to complete your VA physical to apply for benefits, you'll need to go to Jesse Brown.  Just be prepared to spend a full day there, most of it in a waiting room (so bring a thick book and an mp3 player).

Note that according to US law, any veteran who has served on active duty in a theater of combat operations is eligible for 5 years VA health coverage.  That being said, be prepared to deal with the usual weeks of lead time for appointment, long lines, and government bureaucracy.  In light of these extreme time constraints, almost all veterans opt for the university's student health coverage.

For more information on VA health benefits and eligibility, click here.