VA Disability for Veterans Living Overseas
Country-specific guides
Oakridge Claims publishes a dedicated overview for each country with a meaningful U.S. veteran population, covering the regional office handling claims, local C&P exam access, and Foreign Medical Program details.
Southeast Asia
Western Europe
East Asia
Central America
Oceania
Caribbean
Eastern Europe
Middle East
South Asia
Yes — you can get VA disability anywhere in the world
VA disability compensation is paid to U.S. veterans regardless of country of residence. No country is excluded. The eligibility rules, ratings, and dollar amounts are identical to U.S. residents.
Two operational programs make this work: the Foreign Medical Program for service-connected medical care, and the Treasury International Direct Deposit program for payment.
Foreign Medical Program (FMP) — service-connected care only
- Coverage: medical services for VA service-connected disabilities (and certain conditions associated with those) delivered by foreign providers anywhere outside the U.S.
- Not covered: non-, dental (except service-connected dental), preventive care, and routine medications unrelated to the SC condition.
- How to enroll: complete VA Form 10-7959f-1 (FMP Registration) and submit through the FMP office; once registered, the pays the foreign provider out of pocket and submits VA Form 10-7959f-2 with itemized receipts for reimbursement.
- FMP Office: Department of Veterans Affairs, Foreign Medical Program, PO Box 469061, Denver, CO 80246-9061. Phone +1 (303) 331-7590.
Filing a new disability claim from overseas
- File online at from anywhere with internet access — no different from filing in the U.S.
- Or file by mail to the Janesville Evidence Intake Center.
- Or work through a VA- / / attorney — accreditation is national; the representative does not need to be in your country.
- Houston VARO handles most foreign cases except those routed to Manila (Philippines, Pacific). Pittsburgh handles certain European cases.
C&P exams overseas
When VA requires a and the lives abroad, the exam is arranged through one of three channels: (1) a U.S. embassy panel physician, (2) a VA-contracted local examiner, or (3) tele-C&P by video for conditions that don't require physical examination. Veterans receive instructions by mail or message. Travel-pay rules differ overseas — typically does not reimburse overseas travel; some embassy-arranged exams may include limited per-diem.
Payment to foreign bank accounts
International Direct Deposit (IDD) is the Treasury program that wires VA benefits to a foreign bank in local currency. Available in roughly 70 countries; the recipient bank handles the FX conversion. To enroll, complete VA Form SF-1199A signed by both the and the foreign bank, or call the Treasury IDD support line. Some countries are not on the IDD list — in those cases VA can mail a paper check (slow) or use a U.S. bank for the veteran's funds.
Special case — VA Manila Outpatient Clinic
The Manila Outpatient Clinic at Pasay City, Philippines is the only VA-operated medical facility outside U.S. territory. It serves U.S. veterans residing in the Philippines and Pacific. The clinic provides primary care, mental health, audiology, and select specialty services. Manila VARO also adjudicates claims for veterans in the Philippines and certain Pacific island nations.
Where these claims break down
- ×Assuming VA stops paying if you move abroad — it does not. Notify VA of the address change to keep correspondence flowing.
- ×Paying a foreign provider for service-connected care without first enrolling in FMP — VA can only reimburse claims submitted with the registration on file.
- ×Filing for non-service-connected care under FMP — FMP only covers service-connected conditions.
- ×Skipping the VA.gov online filing in favor of paper — online filing is fastest from anywhere in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Useful Tools & Topics
Have questions about your specific case?
Every veteran's facts are different. A free initial consultation with a VA-Accredited Claims Agent can tell you whether your matter is a fit for representation — and what the right next step looks like either way.
Disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Oakridge Claims is a private business and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. No guarantees of outcomes are made. Each claim is decided on its individual facts.
Related guides
The VA Foreign Medical Program (FMP): What It Covers
What FMP is, who administers it, what it pays for abroad — and the single eligibility rule that controls everything.
Living Overseas With Conditions You've Never Claimed
How to file a VA disability claim from abroad, how exams work outside the U.S., and why service connection is the key that unlocks FMP.
Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) Program
How the BDD program works, the 180–90 day filing window, who is eligible, how exams are scheduled before separation, and what happens after discharge.
Nexus Letters
What a medical nexus letter is, when one helps, and how veterans typically obtain one from a qualified provider.