The VA strives to provide veterans with the benefits and services they have earned — and to do so by adhering to the highest standards of compassion, commitment, excellence, professionalism, integrity, accountability and stewardship. Among the benefits they provide is healthcare. The VA’s Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated healthcare network in the U.S. The department also helps servicemembers transition out of military service, assisting with education, home loans, life insurance and more.
VA’s MS Centers of Excellence
In 2003, the VA established the MS Centers of Excellence (MSCoE). The organization is dedicated to furthering understanding of MS and its impact on Veterans, and to promoting research into the causes of and treatments for MS. Under its umbrella, a network of around 70 regional programs strives to minimize disability and maximize quality of life for Veterans with MS. They also answer common questions about MS and military service.
In 2019, the National MS Society signed a memorandum of agreement with the MSCoE. Through this partnership, we improve care, expand resources and provide education and support for Veterans living with MS and their families.
To find the nearest VA clinics and MS Centers of Excellence, visit the MSCoE on the VA website or reach out via email to MSCentersofExcellence@va.gov.
VA disability benefits and eligibility criteria for MSIf you are a Veteran with MS, you may qualify for VA disability benefits. Access to VA healthcare is based upon enrollment eligibility and discharge status from active military service. To find out if you qualify, read eligibility criteria online or call the VA benefits line at 800-827-1000.
The VA offers a variety of medical and support services and programs for Veterans with MS. Some of these benefits are based on level or percent of disability. Others may be based on service-connection. Each Veteran’s medical benefits package is unique. Learn more about coverages such as medical, dental and vision, visit the VA website.
For information about Copay Rates visit VA health care copay rates page for the latest information.
Learn about the VA’s Center for Minority Veterans (CMV) who works to ensure all veterans receive equal service regardless of race, origin, religion, or gender.
Service-connected disability
Symptoms of MS often occur years before a diagnosis is made. If you are a Veteran diagnosed with MS within 7 years of your separation from the military, the VA may classify your illness as related to your military service and award you a “service-connected” disability. Service-connection is given for disabilities that were not diagnosed while on active duty, but are presumed to have begun during service.
You may still be eligible even if you separated from the military more than 7 years ago. You would need a diagnosis by a healthcare provider, preferably a neurologist, who links symptoms you had during those 7 years directly to your current diagnosis. A
"nexus" letter can support the claim by showing this connection.
When applying for benefits, make sure you have:
- A complete and ongoing journal of your symptoms. Include dates, duration, severity, names of medical providers and any witnesses who can attest to the limitations imposed by your MS.
- A file of all your medical records (military and non-military). You must have a copy of your DD Form 214 and documentation of all your medical information to date. This information could help support a case for future rating increases.
COVID-19 vaccines from the VA
All U.S. Veterans, Veteran spouses and caregivers are now eligible to receive free COVID-19 vaccines through the VA. Visit the VA’s COVID-19 vaccine website to learn more.
Learn more about VA disability benefits and services for Veterans with MS.
Series on MS from the VA
Check out videos and podcast episodes on issues that matter to Veterans with MS produced by the MS Centers of Excellence.