Information for Veterans with Myositis

We have created a helpful listing of Veterans resources to help those living with Myositis get started receiving benefits for which they may qualify. This is not a full listing of Veterans services. You can visit the Official VA website here for further information.

At MSU, we want to take a moment to thank you for your service to our country.

The Veterans Administration offers a wide variety of benefits for Veterans. These VA benefits include disability, medical treatment, education, training, vocational rehabilitation, employment, home loan guaranty, dependent and survivor benefits, life insurance, and burial benefits. The information provided is a guide to help Veterans receive possible health and rehabilitation benefits.

Getting started with the VA

Every veteran should register with the VA and get an ID card. You can get started by visiting www.VA.gov.

After enrollment, every Veteran seeking VA help should contact a Veteran’s Service Organization. These organizations are nonprofits and assist the veteran in navigating the VA. There is no charge to the veteran for this service. Veteran Service Organizations are helpful, especially when dealing with individual state benefits that are separate from the VA’s benefits.

Get Started with the VA

Environmental Risk Factors for the Development of Myositis in Military Personnel

This study attempts to determine if environmental and geographic exposures may be related to the development of myositis during military service and to obtain an initial understanding of the possible mechanisms involved. Subjects diagnosed with myositis [Dermatomyositis (DM), Polymyositis (PM), or Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM)] while on active duty, and normal volunteers matched to myositis subjects may enroll by completing questionnaires, a physical examination, and donating blood samples.

We recommend that all Veterans enroll, if they quality.

View the Study Criteria

Veterans Resources

Official website of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Apply for VA care – Application process for Veterans
eBenefits (A Service of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense)
My HealtheVet (VA’s online personal health record)
Veterans Crisis Line Website, or call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1
Information about Veterans Disability Compensation – http://explore.va.gov/disability-compensation
Veterans Mental Health –http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/
Veterans Caregiver Support –http://www.caregiver.va.gov/index.asp
Servicemans and Veterans Initiative – https://www.justice.gov/crt-military
Make the Connection, Support for Veterans – http://maketheconnection.net/resources
Dental Care Resources for Veterans – https://www.emergencydentistsusa.com/dental-care-resources-for-veterans/

Helpful Tips for Veterans

You do not need a service-connected disability in order to receive health benefits from the VA.
Some veterans qualify for cost-free health care services based on qualifying factors. Most veterans are required to complete an annual financial assessment (a means test) to determine if they qualify for free services.
Your current health insurance does not affect your eligibility for VA healthcare. Your insurance may be used to supplement your VA benefits by reducing or fully covering any co-pays.
VA funds, which are appropriated by Congress each year, are limited. The VA has created priority groups to ensure certain groups are able to enroll before others. Once you are enrolled and your eligibility is verified, you will be assigned to a priority group. Learn more about priority groups.

Looking for Support?

Check out a listing we have compiled of Myositis, and related, Facebook support groups.

MSU provides groups for patients, family members, friends, caregivers, and care partners.

Join an online support group today and get the best support, education, and tools you deserve.

Support & Education you deserveJoin Myositis Support Groups

About Agent Orange Exposure

Although a direct link to Myositis through Agent Orange exposure has not been identified, Veterans who are able to establish their exposure to Agent Orange would receive service-connected status for diseases on the Agent Orange presumptive diseases list. View the list here.

Myositis Caregiver Video Support Session, April