I had a question about how to replace a lost Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC). Normally, I would instruct the Veteran to visit the nearest VA health facility to request a new or replacement VHIC Card. This Veteran is a resident at the MN State Veterans Home in Silver Bay necessitating an alternate solution. Not everyone is able or wants to make the trip, so one more article about VA health. This one is for you DB.
I acquired this from VA website www.va.gov/health-care/get-health-id-card/
A Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) is a photo ID card you’ll use to check in at your VA health care appointments. Learn how to get a VHIC in person or online—and how to replace a lost or stolen card. You will need to be enrolled in VA health care. After you receive your VA health care welcome call, you can apply for a VHIC in person at a VA medical center or online which is the focus of this article.
Note: Only request your card once, either in person or online. If you request your card more than once, it will cause a delay.
You will sign in to AccessVA to request your VHIC. https://eauth.va.gov/accessva/?cspSelectFor=vhic-ss
You’ll need a Login.gov, ID.me, DS Logon, My HealtheVet, or Department of Defense Common Access Card (CAC) account. If you don’t have any of these accounts, then follow the instructions on the sign-in page to register for a sign-in partner.
When you apply for a VHIC online, you’ll need to upload a digital photo of yourself and a copy of your current photo ID. Upload a copy of any of these types of current, unexpired IDs: state-issued driver’s license, U.S. passport, federal, state, or local government-issued photo ID showing your name, address, and date of birth.
Upload a digital color photo of yourself that follows these rules: use a photo taken in the last 6 months, use a white or off-white background, show a full front view of your face (with no hat, head covering, face covering, headphones, or eyeglasses), make sure your eyes are open and your hair isn’t covering your eyes or ears, crop the photo in a square shape from your shoulders up (like a passport photo), and upload your photo as a .jpeg, .png, .bmp, .gif, or .tiff file
You should receive your VHIC in about 10 days. If you do not receive it, then call VA at 877-22-8387.
Brad Anderson and Melissa Crandall are the Lake County Veterans Service Officers and can be reached at 218.834.8326 or cvso@co.lake.mn.us
Karen Christianson is the Cook County Veterans Service Officer and can be reached at 218.387.3639, or karen.christianson@co.cook.mn.us
