Priority Group 8 Enrollment Relaxation Changes

In January 2003 VA made the difficult decision to stop enrolling new Priority Group 8 (high income) veterans whose income exceeded VA income thresholds to ensure the availability of health care to veterans with service connected conditions, special authority based on military service, low income, and those with special health care needs.  New regulations take effect today Monday, June 15, 2009 that enable the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to relax income restrictions on enrollment for health benefits. While this new provision does not remove consideration of income, it does increase income thresholds. You may be eligible for enrollment under this new provision. An Enrollment Calculator is available to help Veterans determine their potential eligibility for VA health care services under the new regulation. Check to see if you qualify under the new rules for VA health care.

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St. Louis VA JOB OPENINGS

Check out the St. Louis VA News & Events

• Women's Clinic and Dermatology Clinic are moving to new location on August 1, 2009!
• Press Releases from the St. Louis VAMC
• VALET Parking at John Cochran Division
• Applications being accepted for Post 9/11 GI Bill (GI BIll Website)
• ACES--new veterans support group for amuptees starting at Jefferson Barracks
• Become Authenticated in My HealtheVet

My Healthe Vet

While you are here, please take some time to set up your own on line profile in My HealtheVet. At My HealtheVet, you can read more about what interests you, as well as manage your prescriptions, appointments, and other medical information.

Returning Service Members (OIF and OEF)

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs has opened a Seamless Transition Program across the country for returning Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve service members of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF). We honor the opportunity to provide benefits information and assistance to eligible veterans who honorably fought and served in our Nation's armed forces. Returning Service Members OIF/OEF St. Louis VAMC contact information (This information is in a PDF formated brochure. If you do not have Adobe's Reader on your computer please go to Adobe Acrobat Reader* to download the reader for free.)

Benefits are also available through the Social Security Administration.  These benefits are different than those from the Department of Veterans Affairs and require a separate application. Learn more about Social Security Disability Information for Wounded Warriors*

Suicide Prevention Program

The Suicide Prevention Coordinator for the St. Louis VA Medical Center is Jane Tomory, LCSW. She can be reached at the JB Division, 314-652-4100, extension 66257 or extension 63103 for Brad Overmeyer.  A VA nation-wide SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE number 1-800-273-TALK (8255) is available to all patients and families.  Link to the VAs Mental Health web site.

VA Heartland Network has also established a Veterans' Crisis Intervention Hotline that is available 24/7 at 1-888-899-9377.

Military Sexual Trauma Coordinator

Military Sexual Trauma (MST) is the VA term for sexual harassment and sexual assault that occurred during a veteran’s military service. Both men and women can experience Military Sexual Trauma (MST), both men and women can perpetrate it.

We have clinical staff trained to help survivors of Military Sexual Trauma (MST) here at the St. Louis VAMC. If you know of a veteran who experienced Military Sexual Trauma (MST), please contact Brad Overmeyer, LMSW, Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Coordinator at (314) 652-4100 extension 54878.