Skip to Content

Returning service member care (Post 9/11 Military2VA Program-M2VA)

Post-9/11 Transition and Case Management (TCM) ensures that transitioning service members and Veterans receive the care and support they need as they transition from military to civilian life. Post-9/11 TCM staff serve as expert navigators to help service members and Veterans connect to VA and community resources and case management services when needed.

Connect with a care coordinator

Leah MacDonald

Leah MacDonald LCSW

Post 9/11 Military2VA Case Management (M2VA) Program Manager

VA Albany health care

Phone: 518-626-6962

Email: Leah.Macdonald@va.gov

PACT Act full implementation: 

All Veterans exposed to toxins and other hazards during military service, at home or abroad, are now eligible for VA health care.  Find out more at PACT Act.

4 easy ways to apply:

1. In person at the nearest VA facility;   2. Online (VA Form 10-10EZ);   3. Toll-free hotline: ; or,
4. Mail VA Form 10-10EZ to:  Health Eligibility Center, 2957 Clairmont Rd., Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30329.

Every VA medical center has a specialized Post-9/11 Military2VA (M2VA) team ready to welcome you as you transition from service member to Veteran. Your Post-9/11 M2VA team will assist you, your family, and caregivers in navigating the VA health care system and support you in achieving your health and wellness goals.

Often when service members leave the military, they find difficulty with sense of identity, financial strain, employment/education barriers, relationship changes, mental/emotional wellness, and physical limitations as a result of their time in the military. Your Post-9/11 M2VA team is trained in addressing the unique needs of reintegrating service members and Post-9/11 era Veterans and will be there to support you. Post-9/11 M2VA team members are ready to assist with what matters most to you—from accessing care and resources to developing personalized goals for your care and navigating benefits.

  • Collaborate with DoD and community partners to facilitate your transition to the VA health care system
  • Educate you on VA eligibility, benefits and services.
  • Provide transition and reintegration assistance.
  • Apply a holistic approach to care planning including integration of Whole Health.
  • Facilitate a transition of care in the event of relocation to another VA facility.
  • Educate and outreach to DoD and community partners on the VA system and challenges unique to Post-9/11 era Veterans. 

Eligibility Information

  • The Post-9/11 Transition and Care Management Program that offers transitional assistance for Veterans transitioning to civilian life, providing case management and outreach services to all Veterans who served after September 11, 2001
  • Enhanced Combat Veteran authority: VA provides cost-free health care services and nursing home care for conditions possibly related to military service and enrollment in Priority Group 6 or higher .  Additionally, for care not related to combat service, copays may be required depending on a financial assessment and other special eligibility factors.  NOTE: The Enhanced Combat Veteran enrollment period applicable begins on the discharge or separation date of the service member from active-duty military service, or in the case of multiple call-ups, the most recent discharge date.  *Make sure your local VA Enrollment and Eligibility Team have your most up to date DD214.  Enhanced Combat Veteran authority allows Veterans enrolled with VA under this category continued enrollment, even after their enhanced eligibility period ends, although they may be shifted to Priority Group 7 or 8, depending on income, and required to make applicable copays.
  • Sergeant First Class (SFC) Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act: You’re eligible to enroll now—without needing to apply for disability benefits first—if you meet the basic service and discharge requirements and any of these descriptions are true for you.
  • You served on or after September 11, 2001, in any of these locations:
    • Afghanistan  -  Djibouti  -  Egypt  -  Jordan  -  Lebanon  -  Syria  -  Uzbekistan  -  Yemen  -  Any other country determined relevant by VA (none at this time)  -  The airspace above any of these locations
  • You served on or after August 2, 1990, in any of these locations:
    • Bahrain  -  Iraq  -  Kuwait  -  Oman  -  Qatar  -  Saudi Arabia  -  Somalia  -  The United Arab Emirates (UAE)  -  The airspace above any of these locations
  • You deployed in support of any of these operations:
    • Operation Enduring Freedom  -  Operation Freedom’s Sentinel  -  Operation Iraqi Freedom  -  Operation New Dawn  -  Operation Inherent Resolve  -  Resolute Support Mission
  • Note: You may also be eligible if you were exposed to any toxins or other hazards during training or active-duty service, or based on other factors.
  • VA Dental Care | Veterans Affairs
  • OEF/OIF/OND Combat Veterans may be eligible for one-time dental care — but must apply within 180 days of your separation date from active duty. Visit the Combat Veterans Fact Sheet to find out more

Resources

PACT Act - The PACT Act is a law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. 

COMPACT Act - Under the Veterans Comprehensive Prevention, Access to Care, and Treatment (COMPACT) Act, Veterans with acute suicidal crisis can go immediately to any VA or non-VA health care facility for emergency health care at no cost to them.

Post Deployment Health - Health Outcomes Military Exposures (HOME) (formerly Post Deployment Health Services) administers various programs related to environmental and occupational exposures of U.S. Veterans during military service, including Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND), Gulf War, Vietnam, World War II and atomic Veterans activities. HOME also maintains several registries based on these exposures.

VA benefits for active service members - If you're on active duty in the United States uniformed services, including active National Guard and Reserve, you may be eligible for benefits both during service and after separation or retirement. Find out which benefits you qualify for and when to apply.

VA Education Benefits | Veterans Affairs - Learn how Veterans, service members, and their qualified family members can apply for and manage the education and training benefits you've earned.

VA Healthcare and other insurance (TRICARE, Medicare, Medicaid, Private) - If you have other forms of health care coverage, you can use VA health care benefits along with these plans. Learn more about how VA works with other health insurance. Click on VA Health Benefits for more Information. Click to Apply online, by phone or by mail or dial 877-222-8387.

VA Patient Advocates - Specially trained VA staff that can help answer any questions or resolve any issues with your care.

VA Pharmacy - Find out how to refill your prescriptions, where to pick up new prescription orders, and how to safely dispose of your medicines at a VA Albany health care facility.

VA War Related Illness and Injury Study Center (WRIISC) - A national program dedicated to Veterans’ post-deployment health concerns and unique health care needs.

VA Women Veterans Care – For specialized women's health that supports the health, welfare, and dignity of women Veterans and their families, ensuring equal access to timely, sensitive, and quality care.

Veteran Military Sexual Trauma (MST) - Military sexual trauma (MST) refers to sexual assault or threatening sexual harassment experienced during military service. Veterans of all genders and backgrounds have experienced MST.

National Guard and Reserve Home - Learn more about your Active National Guard VA benefits, such as Education, Home Loans, Disability Compensation, and Pension.

TRICARE - Assistance with general information, benefits, claims, eligibility, authorizations, and provider inquiries. Call 877-874-2273  or visit HealthNet Federal Service (HNFS) for additional information.

Vet Center – Albany, NY - A counseling center that helps Veterans readjust after deployment, providing counseling for individuals, groups, married couples, and families and provide guidance and referrals for other VA and community resources. Click to Learn more about Vet Centers or call 518-626-5130

New York State Division of Veteran’s Services - Information about Advocacy and Assistance, Education, Employment & Volunteer, Financial & Compensation, Health Care, Honoring Veterans, and Housing.

NYS Department of Labor Services for Veterans | Department of Labor (ny.gov)

Veterans Crisis Hotline

Veteran Crisis Hotline

Call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 (1-800-273-8255), and press 1, text 838255, or chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.

VA Albany health care

Homeless Veterans National Call Center

Homeless Veterans Call Center

To speak to a VA counselor, call 1-877-424-3838 for more information about VA's homeless programs, health care and other services.

VA Albany health care