As a veteran, your service, sacrifice, and dedication to our nation have helped protect the freedoms we enjoy today. As your healthcare needs and priorities change, we want to make sure you’re aware of all the benefits available to you. Whether you’ve accessed benefits before or are just beginning to explore what’s available, this guide highlights key programs through the federal government and state of Texas, along with ways Flagship Health supports our primary care members through this process.

Understanding VA Benefits

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administers a wide array of benefits veterans may be eligible for, including healthcare, monthly compensation, and more. These programs are designed to address both service-connected conditions and everyday challenges you might face as you age.

1. Compensation for Service-Connected Conditions
   If you have a physical or mental condition related to your military service, you may qualify for VA disability compensation, a monthly tax-free benefit based on the severity of your disability rating. This rate ranges from 10% to 100%.
   
   
2. Filing Claims Assistance from an Accredited Veteran Service Officer (VSO)
   Navigating the claims process can be daunting. Accredited VSOs provide free assistance to veterans to help you file claims efficiently, increasing your chances of approval and appropriate ratings.
   
   
3. Compensation and VA Health Care for Exposure to Toxic Chemicals
   Veterans exposed to toxic substances such as Agent Orange or burn pits are eligible for compensation and health care benefits. This includes not only the veterans themselves but also children with birth defects resulting from a service member's exposure to Agent Orange.
   
   
4. VA Life Insurance for Service-Connected Conditions
   Veterans with service-connected conditions can secure life insurance through the VA, providing peace of mind for you and your family.
   
   
5. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
   DIC provides monthly tax-free payments to eligible surviving spouses, children, or parents of veterans whose death was service-connected.
   
   
6. Burial Allowance for Surviving Spouse
   The VA provides a burial allowance to help cover the cost of a veteran's funeral and burial, easing the financial burden on the surviving spouse.
   
   
7. Education and Training for Dependents
   Dependents of deceased veterans with service-connected conditions may qualify for VA-funded education and training, helping family members build a secure future.
   
   
8. VA Home Loan Program
   Veterans and surviving spouses can use VA home loans, which offer competitive interest rates and favorable terms, often with no down payment requirement, to buy or refinance a home.
   
   
9. Aid and Attendance
   This is a powerful enhancement to your VA pension if you require help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, or eating. It can help pay for assisted living, in-home care, or nursing support.
   
   
10. Social Security Work Credits
    Veterans who served on active duty or active duty for training between 1957-1977 and 1978-2001 may be eligible for additional earnings credits from Social Security. Contact the Social Security Administration for more details on this benefit.

Texas State Benefits for Veterans

For veterans living in Texas, the state offers valuable benefits that stack with your federal entitlements.

1. Property Tax Exemption
   Veterans with service-connected conditions are typically eligible for significant property tax exemptions on their primary residence.
   
   
2. Special DMV Plates
   Veterans with service-connected conditions (50% or higher VA rating) and their surviving spouses are eligible for special DMV plates, making it easier to access veteran-specific services and benefits.
   
   
3. Texas State Veterans Homes
   These homes provide comfortable and supportive living environments for veterans and their spouses, ensuring they receive the care they need.
   
   
4. Free Driver's License for Disabled Veterans
   Texas offers a free driver’s license to veterans with service-connected disability ratings of 60% or more.
   
   
5. Veterans Treatment Courts
   These specialized courts offer support and rehabilitation instead of incarceration for veterans involved in the criminal justice system, focusing on treatment for substance abuse, mental health issues, and other underlying problems.
   
   
6. State Employment Preferences
   Veterans receive preference in state hiring and retention during reductions in force. Spouses and surviving spouses may also be eligible for these preferences.

How Flagship Health Supports Veterans

At Flagship Health, we’re proud to care for San Antonio veterans of all ages. Our primary care team knows what you’ve been through – several of our co-founders and providers have also served.

Here's how we can help:

Veteran-Centered Primary Care

The comprehensive primary care you receive from our veteran-trained providers integrates seamlessly with your VA healthcare. With fast appointment scheduling, you can quickly see Flagship Health providers for:

• Preventative care
• Chronic disease management
• Mental health support
• Coordination with specialists

To be clear, Flagship Health is NOT a VA facility; we are a private primary care provider. As a veteran, you can see providers at both Flagship Health and the VA.

VA Disability Exam and Rating Support

Navigating the disability rating system can be challenging and overwhelming. Our providers help established Flagship Health patients with:

• Preparing for C&P exams
• Reviewing and submitting claims documentation
• Connecting you with trusted, VA-accredited representatives

Benefits Navigation and Care Coordination

Our team can help simplify your healthcare journey by connecting you to resources within the VA system, specialist referrals, community partners, and more. As a primary care provider, we also work regularly with insurance partners from Medicare Advantage, TRICARE for Life, and more to ensure your plan reflects the care you need.

Community and Whole-Person Support

We believe veteran care goes beyond medical visits. At Flagship Health, we’ve built a community that supports your well-being through social events, behavioral health resources, and whole-person care. Check out events at our Culebra Rd. clinic.

You Served; Let's Get You the Care and Benefits You Deserve

As a veteran, you’ve earned far more than gratitude — you deserve access to real support, resources, and benefits that improve your health, stability, and quality of life.

From disability compensation and home loans to Texas property tax exemptions and long-term care programs, help is available, and you don’t have to navigate it alone.

To learn more about how Flagship Health supports the health of veterans in San Antonio, contact us.