Expat Community > Panama

TMarks
Joined 2004
Posts: 5

For the 100% Disabled Veteran Moving to Panama.

19 years ago

If you are rated a 100% Disabled Veteran and are planning on moving to Panama I have done a lot of research and found a few things that would help you out.

First if you are either single or taking a family with you. You must have a passport for each person you will be able to get a visa once in Panama for about $5 (about 30 days) at the Airport.

Your wife and sons will be covered under the Champva Foreign Section. You can send claims for them to Champva - Foreign claims. Please contact Champva for more information on foreign claims for your dependents.
The Department of Veterans Affairs Foreign Medical Program (FMP) is a health benefit program designed for U.S. veterans with VA rated service-connected disabilities who are either residing or traveling outside the United States.
Under the Foreign Medical Program, VA assumes payment responsibility for certain necessary medical services associated only with the treatment of those VA rated service-connected disabilities.
Veterans may apply for FMP benefits by providing us their full name, mailing/residing address, VA claim number, U.S. Social Security number and a copy of their rating decision that includes the listing and description of all their service-connected disabilities. If they do not have a copy our office will request one from their servicing Regional Office.
Upon verification of their eligibility for benefits, we will mail the veteran a benefits authorization letter and program guide. Additional information to include the Registration Form may be found on our web site www.va.gov.hac/fmp/fmp.html
The eligibility for medical services is different for veterans outside the United States than the eligibility requirements within the United States. VA may authorize foreign medical services for veterans only for a VA rated service-connected condition or for a condition that is associated with and aggravated by a VA rated service-connected condition. This means that medical services that are available to veterans on the basis of their percentage of VA disability within the United States does not apply when determining eligibility for foreign medical services.
As the FMP is responsible for healthcare services obtained for the treatment of VA rated service-connected conditions, VA Regional offices are responsible for establishing service-connected conditions, in addition to compensation and pension ratings and other benefit programs.
Veterans will need to contact the VA Regional Office - Foreign Claims, 1000 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-4004. Phone: 412-395-6272 or by email - [email protected].

If you receive a pension or monthly payment from the VA you must maintain a direct deposit account in the USA.

If you are receiving medication from the VA you are still covered to get the meds you need for your rated condition only. You can buy them in Panama and the VA will reimburse. The VA does not ship meds overseas.

If you are retired you can get Panamas Retirement Visa which entitles you to the same retirement benefits that the Panamanians get. I can explain these to you in detail if you e-mail me.

I have a contact in Panama that is the Chief of Staff for the VFW there and can put you in contact with him.

Any questions that are not covered here and you need help with dont hesitate to ask. You can reach me at [email protected]

Kovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in Panama

William Russell

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William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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Expat Community > Panama

For the 100% Disabled Veteran Moving to Panama.

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