TRANSMITTAL:  # 13

DATE:  05/04/2010

FOREIGN MEDICAL PROGRAM POLICY MANUAL

CHAPTER:  1

SECTION:  2

TITLE:  ELIGIBILITY

AUTHORITY:  38 USC 1724; 38 CFR 3.1(k); 38 CFR 17.35; 38 CFR 17.41(e); 38 CFR 17.47(j); and 38 CFR 17.125(d)

I. DESCRIPTION(S)

A. A service-connected condition means that a VARO (Veterans Affairs Regional Office) has rated the disability as being incurred or aggravated in the line of duty in active military, naval or air service.

II. POLICY

A. The FMP (Foreign Medical Program) may assume payment responsibility for hospital care and medical services to Veterans with VA-rated service-connected disabilities who are traveling or residing abroad, without regard to the Veteran's citizenship, when:

1. The treatment is medically necessary for services associated with and held to be aggravating a service-connected disability.  This includes adjunctive care that is determined to be medically necessary to treat the service-connected disability.

2. In accordance with 38 USC Chapter 31, medical care is furnished to a Veteran participating in a rehabilitation program.

B. Eligible Veterans will receive an FMP authorization letter, which identifies the VA service-connected condition(s) or rehabilitation status for which the treatment is authorized.

III. EXCLUSION(S)

A. Allied Veterans are eligible for hospital and medical care only in VA facilities within the United States [38 CFR 17.41(e)]

B. A Veteran is not entitled to medical care for any period during which he/she is a fugitive felon or during any period of incarceration.

* END OF POLICY *