The department of Veterans Affairs provides health care based upon the following eligibility guidelines:

• If you have a service-connected disability and are an eligible veteran with a low income, you are assured hospital care. (Custodial care is not provided).
• Veterans who were disabled in service with higher incomes may receive care on a "space available" basis only.  The co-payment is based on level of income.

In addition, the 1999 edition of "Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependants" states, "VA authorized care may not be provided in excess of six months except for veterans who need nursing home care for a "service-connected disability."

Other exceptions and guidelines can be found in the VA Benefits Handbook, which is located on the Web at http://www.va.gov/pubaff/fedben/99fedben.