Page 8 - Armed Forces Directory - Aberdeen Proving Ground

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

From the Desk of...
U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs

VA and DOD Announce Updates to Improve

Veteran and Caregiver Access to Installations

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense (DOD)
announced an improved installation access process for Veterans and eligible
caregivers for medical appointments, shopping, and certain morale, welfare,
and recreation (MWR) services. Veteran and caregiver eligibility will now be
electronically verified during the installation access process.

Eligible Veterans who do not have a VA-issued Veteran Health Identification
Card (VHIC), as well as eligible caregivers, can enroll for installation access at the
visitor center using their REAL ID Act-compliant driver’s license or non-driver’s
identification card. Starting Nov. 1, 2024, Veterans without a VHIC, as well as
eligible caregivers, no longer need to present a VA-issued caregiver patronage
letter, VA-issued service-connected disability letter, or VA Health Eligibility Center
Form H623A to enroll for installation access.

These updates reflect VA, DOD, and the Biden-Harris Administration’s ongoing
commitment to expand and improve care and benefits for those who served.

“DOD installations provide numerous benefits and critical services to our
nation’s Veterans, including health care,” said VA Deputy Secretary Tanya
Bradsher. “We are grateful for our partnership with DOD and the ability to
implement these updates to make military installation access easier for Veterans
and their caregivers.”

“Our Veterans and their caregivers deserve a smooth experience in accessing
installations,” said Ashish S. Vazirani, who is performing the duties of Under
Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. “We are glad to work with the
Department of Veterans Affairs on this initiative and look forward to continuing to
welcome eligible Veterans and VA caregivers to military exchanges and commissaries,
and at eligible facilities like golf courses, movie theaters and clubs.”

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