A Major Victory for Veteran Healthcare Access
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced a significant step forward in veteran healthcare access: eligible veterans will now receive one-year authorizations to seek care from private sector providers in 30 critical medical specialties. This is part of a broader VA Community Care initiative designed to streamline access, reduce wait times, and ensure timely treatment—especially for veterans in underserved or rural areas.
This expanded access not only marks a profound shift in how the VA is delivering care but also empowers veterans, placing their needs first and entrusting them to work with VA-contracted providers closer to home, giving them more control over their healthcare decisions.
At Veterans Desk, Inc, we see this change as a practical and meaningful improvement in the lives of those who have served. Let’s explore what this means, who it affects, and how to take advantage of this critical benefit.
Why This Matters
Traditionally, VA community care authorizations required repeated renewals, often causing interruptions in continuity of care. Veterans had to navigate complex referrals and sometimes waited weeks—or even months—for approvals.
With this new policy, veterans can now receive uninterrupted care for an entire year, with fewer administrative delays and greater confidence in their treatment plans. This enhances trust, autonomy, and access—especially in high-demand specialties where wait times can seriously affect quality of life.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for this expanded care authorization:
- You must be enrolled in VA healthcare.
- You must meet eligibility criteria under the MISSION Act, including wait time, drive time, or clinical necessity requirements.
- Your VA provider, who is familiar with your medical history and needs, must determine that community care is in your best medical interest. This ensures that the care you receive is tailored to your specific health conditions and needs.
Once authorized, your care can continue with the same VA Community Care Network (CCN) provider for a whole year—no repeated referrals required for the same specialty and condition.
The 30 Approved Specialties for One-Year Authorizations
The VA identified 30 specialties where timely access to care is particularly critical. These specialties reflect the complex, chronic, and often service-connected health issues affecting the veteran population.
Here is the complete list of eligible specialties:
- Cardiology – Heart-related diagnoses and chronic cardiovascular disease
- Dermatology – Skin conditions, including melanoma and chronic infections
- Endocrinology – Diabetes, thyroid disease, and hormonal disorders
- Gastroenterology – Digestive health, liver disease, and GI screenings
- General Surgery – Surgical procedures not tied to a single body system.
- Geriatrics – Care for older veterans, often with multiple conditions
- Hematology – Blood disorders, anemia, and clotting conditions
- Infectious Disease – Management of chronic or severe infections
- Mental Health – PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance use care
- Nephrology – Kidney disease and dialysis management
- Neurology – Stroke, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Neurosurgery – Surgical care of the brain and spinal cord
- Obstetrics and Gynecology – Women’s health and reproductive care
- Oncology – Cancer treatment and ongoing monitoring
- Ophthalmology – Eye care, including surgery for cataracts or glaucoma
- Optometry – Vision correction and diabetic eye exams
- Orthopedics – Musculoskeletal injuries and joint replacements
- Otolaryngology (ENT) – Ear, nose, and throat disorders
- Pain Management – Chronic pain treatment, including injections or procedures
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) – Post-surgical or chronic rehab
- Plastic Surgery – Reconstructive procedures related to injury or illness
- Podiatry – Foot and ankle care, especially for diabetics
- Primary Care – General internal or family medicine
- Psychiatry – Medication management for mental health disorders
- Pulmonology – Lung disease, COPD, and long-COVID symptoms
- Radiology – Imaging such as CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds
- Rheumatology – Arthritis, autoimmune disorders, and chronic inflammation
- Sleep Medicine – Sleep apnea, insomnia, and sleep disorder assessments
- Spinal Cord Injury – Complex rehabilitation and specialty care
- Urology – Urinary and prostate conditions
What Veterans Need to Do
Here’s how to move forward if you think this applies to your care:
1. Talk to Your VA Primary Care Team
Discuss your ongoing needs with your VA doctor. If you’ve been seeing a community provider already, your provider may convert your existing referral into a one-year authorization, which means you can continue your care without any interruptions. Your VA doctor will guide you through this process and ensure you understand the changes.
2. Request Community Care if Needed
If you haven’t been referred out before, but you’re experiencing long wait times or need specialty care that’s not available nearby, request a community care consultation under the MISSION Act criteria. These criteria include specific wait time, drive time, or clinical necessity requirements, which your VA doctor can explain in detail.
3. Ensure Your Specialist Is in the CCN
Only specialists within the VA’s contracted Community Care Network are eligible for this program. Use VA’s provider locator tool or check with your local VA medical center.
4. Follow Up on Coordination
Ask for confirmation in writing of your one-year authorization. Keep in contact with both your VA team and the community specialist to ensure continuity.
Benefits for Veterans
This policy doesn’t just save time—it builds trust. Here are some of the forward-looking benefits:
- Improved Continuity: You get to keep the same provider for an entire year.
- With this new policy, veterans can now receive uninterrupted care for an entire year, with significantly reduced administrative Burden: No repeated referral requests or delays, just a clear path to their healthcare needs.
- Better Health Outcomes: Timely care leads to faster diagnoses and improved treatment adherence.
- Empowerment: Veterans can engage directly with private specialists without losing VA support.
For CCN Providers: What This Means for You
If you are a CCN-enrolled provider, this new authorization pathway may mean:
- More consistent veteran caseloads
- Simplified communication with VA facilities
- Stronger working relationships with veteran patients
- Fewer disruptions in care planning or re-authorization issues
VeteransDesk.org provides guidance and resources for providers navigating VA billing, compliance, and claims systems.
Our Commitment to Helping You Navigate This Change
At Veterans Desk, Inc., we are committed to advocating for better access, smarter navigation, and deeper understanding of the VA Community Care Network. Whether you’re a veteran managing multiple conditions, a caregiver helping a loved one coordinate care, or a provider supporting the veteran population, we’re here to support you in navigating this change, ensuring you feel understood and supported.
We’ll continue to monitor this policy and provide updates on:
- How it’s being implemented across VA regions
- Appeals if your request is denied
- Best practices for managing ongoing care plans
Final Thoughts
This move by the VA to issue one-year community care authorizations in 30 high-need specialties shows a growing recognition: veterans deserve timely, uninterrupted, and dignified healthcare that meets them where they are—whether that’s in a VA facility or their communities.
If you or someone you know is a veteran receiving fragmented care, now is the time to ask about this option. One year of continuous, coordinated care could make all the difference.
📌 Questions? Confused by referrals or CCN billing?
Visit VeteransDesk.org for guides, forms, and up-to-date information.
After serving your country, the last thing you should have to fight for is healthcare.
