It is important that all veterans register with the VA for health care benefits. Whether you require medical attention or not, this action (registering) provides the numbers congress and the DoD look at in determining annual funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Nittany Leathernecks are committed to assisting ALL military veterans, regardless of service affiliation. These numbers are what will speak clearly to this nation, when budget battle lines are drawn. The PDF link below provides an application form (10-10EZ) you can download. There are also instructions for filling the form out. Once complete, send the application to the James Van Zandt VA Medical Center in Altoona (if you are a Centre County veteran). The address is noted. For all other veterans, contact your local VA office in order to identify the location you need to send your completed form.

The Department of Veterans Affairs has recently discouraged VA Medical Centers from pro-actively registering veterans. So it is up to organizations like the Nittany Leathernecks to get the word out. This is a benefit you EARNED by serving your nation during both times of war and peace. Even if you do not require medical assistance by the VA, you should register. Annual congressional budgets are based on the number of known living veterans. If not for yourself, register so that those who DO need medical assistance now, or in the future, will have that resource available to them.

• VA Medical Form (with instructions)