Veterans who live in rural areas face unique problems accessing VA benefits.
A study published by the National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics carried out in 2021 approximates that 24% of the nation’s veterans live in rural communities. The majority of those living in rural areas are 65 years old or older and in need of healthcare to address their specific health issues.
The study found that rural veterans often have problems accessing healthcare because healthcare is not as easily accessible in the areas where they live or because they are unaware of the VA benefits and programs available to them.
Some of the most common problems found in veterans living in rural areas are: high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, acid reflux, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depressive disorder, as well as one or more service-connected disabilities. Often these problems are exacerbated by other common problems found in rural areas, such as, homelessness, poverty, or substance abuse.