Massage therapy for veterans, covered by the VA.

The Muscle Veteran is an approved VA Community Care provider. If you're enrolled in VA health care, you may be able to get massage therapy here at no cost to you for the areas your referral covers. I'm a Marine and OEF veteran. I know the VA process can feel like a maze, so here's how it works, step by step.

How to Get Started

  1. Reach out to me. Text or call (864) 485-5740 and I'll send you the information you need to give your VA provider.

  2. Ask your VA primary care provider (PCP) for a referral to community care massage therapy for a specific body area or health condition. You can request The Muscle Veteran by name.

  3. VA reviews and approves the referral. Once it's approved, VA Community Care contacts me.

  4. I call you to schedule your first appointment.

Community care has to be approved by the VA ahead of time. Eligibility depends on things like how far you live from a VA facility, VA wait times, and whether you and your VA provider agree it's in your best medical interest. See VA community care eligibility.

What's Covered

First referral: 12 sessions within 90 days
Second referral: 12 sessions within 180 days

  • Only the body areas listed on your referral are covered. You're welcome to book extra time or add areas, but that part is paid out of pocket.

  • You won't pay me for covered visits. VA pays through its third-party administrator, Optum. If a VA copay applies to you, the VA bills it separately.

  • Tips are always appreciated and never expected.

When Your Referral Runs Out

I can't request more visits until your current referral reaches its expiration date. On that date, I send the VA a Request for Services (RFS) for additional visits. VA approval times vary.

Any appointments between referrals are paid out of pocket at my regular rates.

Your First Visit

  • Bring a list of your medications and what each one is for. It's a lot easier than trying to remember on the spot.

  • You're always welcome to bring someone with you.

  • Arrive 5 to 10 minutes early to park and fill out intake forms.

Travel Pay

Some veterans can be reimbursed for mileage to community care appointments, for example if you have a VA disability rating of 30% or higher. A few things to know:

  • File a claim for each appointment through the VA's Beneficiary Travel Self-Service System (BTSSS) on VA.gov.

  • File within 30 days of your appointment or the claim is denied.

  • Community care claims need proof of attendance. Ask me and I'll provide it.

Check eligibility and file on VA.gov

VA Community Care FAQ

Who do I ask for a referral?
Your VA primary care provider. Text me first and I'll give you what you need to make the request.

How long does it take?
That depends on the VA. Once VA Community Care contacts me with your approval, I reach out to you to schedule.

Do you accept TRICARE or see active duty service members?
Not at this time.

Can I see you without a VA referral?
Absolutely. Book any service and pay out of pocket like any other client.

Questions? Text Olivia: (864) 485-5740

VA COMMUNITY CARE