Veterans Health Administration and the Lap Band

[butterfly723 2]

I am currently working on receiving benefits through the VHA as a combat veteran. I know that Tricare started approving the lap band this year, but does anyone know if the VHA covers it, as well?

I went to the VA website and read that they do gastric bypass, but not lap band procedures. However, that was from a post in 2004. I haven't been able to find any new updates about the lap band through the VHA. Does anyone have any information at all?

Thanks in advance.

[RestlessMonkey 7]

I suggest contacting them tomorrow and asking, although as you know, the info isn't always correct. I was told twice by tricare (jan 2008 and april 2008) that they absolutely DID NOT under any circumstances cover the lap band, nor were there any plans to do so, and that was patently incorrect. Hope you find out the VA does!

[butterfly723 2]

Thanks, Restless Monkey. I actually just found out today that I have been approved to receive benefits through the VHA in priority group 6, so that's the first step. I know that they do gastric bypass surgery for veterans, but I haven't found any concrete info about the lap band. I have read that they will do it in some cases, but it's only done at some facilities. So I will call them in a few minutes and see if I can get any accurate information. It seems strange that they would approve it for Tricare but not the vets, but I guess I will have to wait and see. I'll post when I find out more!

[RestlessMonkey 7]

Good luck! :thumbup: