Health Care for Returning Combatants

Welcome to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 5 webpage for returning Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve service members of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

One of the more difficult tasks for a returning veteran is applying for the many VA benefits. The unknowns of "should I," "would I qualify," "how do I apply," or "where do I go for help" can be a frustrating experience. It is our hope that this webpage will provide you with the information that you need to apply for benefits and receive quality care from any of our VA Medical Centers. For information regarding transition assistance, please contact the following:

Transitional Patient Advocates:

     VA Maryland Health Care Systems and Martinsburg VAMC
     James Wilkes
     (410) 605-7000 x5223

     Washington VAMC
     Marcus Adolphus
      (202) 745-8132

Network Office

     Andrew Wolkstein (primary)
     (410) 691-6343

     Ken Sliker (alternate)
     (410) 691-6348


Martinsburg VA Medical Center

     Katherine Smits (primary)
     (304) 263-0811 x3265

     Michael Weed (alternate)
     (304) 263-0811 x4254


VA Maryland Health Care System

     Chris Buser, MSW (primary)
     (410) 605-7259

     Holly Berilla (alternate)
     (410) 605-7000 x4028


Washington DC VA Medical Center

     Jean Langbein, MSW (primary)
     (202) 745-8000 x7212

     Linda Aragon, MSW (alternate)
     (202) 745-8000 x7219

VA Resources:

• Seamless Transition for Operations Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom
  Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) web site for returning Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve service members of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom
  
  
• Gulf War Illnesses
  Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) web site for Gulf War Illnesses