If you’re a veteran dealing with back pain, neck pain, or a service-related musculoskeletal injury, you may already know the VA covers certain types of care. What many veterans don’t realize is that you don’t always have to go to a VA facility to use those benefits.
Through the VA Community Care Program, eligible veterans can receive chiropractic care and physical therapy at approved private clinics — often with no out-of-pocket cost. Total Vitality Medical Group is a VA-approved provider serving veterans throughout the Tampa Bay area, with locations in Clearwater, Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Brandon.
Here’s everything you need to know about how the program works and how to use it.
What Is the VA Community Care Program?
The VA Community Care Network (CCN) is a program run by the Department of Veterans Affairs that allows eligible veterans to receive care from non-VA providers — private clinics and specialists — while still having that care covered by the VA. It was created to reduce wait times, expand access to care, and give veterans more options when VA facilities can’t meet their needs in a timely or convenient way.
In practical terms: if your local VA medical center doesn’t have a chiropractor on staff, has long wait times, or is far from where you live, the VA can authorize you to receive that same care at a community provider like Total Vitality Medical Group — and they cover the cost.
What Services Are Covered?
For musculoskeletal conditions, two of the most valuable services available through Community Care are:
Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic care has been part of the VA’s standard Medical Benefits Package since 2004, available to all eligible enrolled veterans. It’s particularly effective for the types of conditions veterans commonly experience: lower back pain, neck pain, joint pain, and injuries related to the physical demands of service. Care includes spinal manipulation, manual therapies, active rehabilitation, and patient education.
Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is also covered through Community Care for veterans who need rehabilitation services. PT helps restore movement, reduce pain, and rebuild strength after injury — whether that injury happened during service or has developed over time. A physical therapist works with you through targeted exercises, hands-on treatment, and a personalized recovery plan.
At Total Vitality Medical Group, both services are offered under one roof alongside primary care — which means your care is coordinated, not fragmented across multiple providers.
Who Is Eligible for VA Community Care?
To access Community Care, you generally need to meet the following criteria:
- You are enrolled in the VA healthcare system. If you’re not yet enrolled, you can apply at va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply or by calling 1-877-222-8387.
- The care you need isn’t available at your local VA facility, or the wait time exceeds VA access standards (typically 20 days for primary care, 28 days for specialty care).
- You live more than a certain distance from a VA facility that offers the service.
- A VA provider refers you to a community provider and the VA Community Care office approves it.
Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis, so the best first step is to speak with your VA primary care provider and let them know you’re experiencing pain or mobility issues that may benefit from chiropractic or physical therapy.
How to Access VA Community Care — Step by Step
The process is straightforward once you know what to expect:
Step 1: Enroll in VA Health Care (if you haven’t already) You must be enrolled to use any VA benefits, including Community Care. Visit va.gov or your nearest VA medical center to apply.
Step 2: See Your VA Primary Care Provider Schedule an appointment with your VA doctor and be specific about your symptoms. Describe how your pain or condition is affecting your daily life, work, and mobility. The more specific you are, the easier it is for your provider to justify a referral.
Step 3: Request a Referral to a Community Provider If your VA provider agrees that chiropractic care or physical therapy is appropriate, they’ll submit a referral to the VA Community Care Office. Ask specifically about using a community provider if your local VA facility has long wait times or limited availability.
Step 4: Receive Authorization The VA Community Care office will process the referral and issue an authorization to schedule care with an approved in-network provider. This can take some time, so don’t wait until your pain becomes severe to start the process.
Step 5: Schedule Your Appointment at Total Vitality Medical Group Once authorized, call us at 727-726-1460 or visit any of our four Tampa Bay locations. We’ll confirm your authorization and get you scheduled. Our team is experienced in working with VA patients and will handle the coordination on our end.
Why Choose Total Vitality Medical Group for VA Community Care?
Veterans deserve care that treats the whole picture — not just one isolated symptom. That’s exactly what our multidisciplinary model is built to provide.
At Total Vitality Medical Group, your chiropractic care and physical therapy are integrated with primary care and other services, all under one roof. Our team includes board-certified Medical Physicians (MD), Osteopathic Physicians (DO), Chiropractic Physicians (DC), Advance Registered Nurse Practitioners (ARNP), and Physical Therapists (PT) — all working together as a coordinated team.
For veterans dealing with chronic pain, post-service injuries, or conditions that have gone undertreated for years, this integrated approach makes a real difference. You don’t have to coordinate between three different offices or repeat your history to every new provider. We already know your case.
We have four convenient locations across Tampa Bay:
- Clearwater: 26750 US Hwy 19 N #100 — (727) 726-1460
- St. Petersburg: 1001 37th Street N, Suite D — (727) 914-9130
- Brandon: 667 West Lumsden Road — (813) 867-7323
- Tampa: 1881 W Kennedy Blvd, Suite A — (813) 579-1212
Common Questions About VA Community Care
Do I need to pay anything out of pocket? In most cases, no. Community Care is covered the same way care at a VA facility would be covered. Some veterans may have a copay depending on their priority group, but many services are covered at no cost.
Can I go directly to Total Vitality Medical Group without a VA referral? Unfortunately, no — VA Community Care requires prior authorization. You must have a referral from your VA provider before scheduling. Going without authorization means the VA won’t cover the cost.
What if I’ve already been seen at a VA facility for the same condition? That’s fine. Community Care is often used as an extension of care you’ve already started at the VA. Bring any records or notes from your VA visits to your appointment with us.
I’m not sure if I’m enrolled in VA health care. How do I check? Call the VA eligibility center at 1-877-222-8387 or log in to va.gov to check your enrollment status.
Can Community Care cover both chiropractic and physical therapy at the same clinic? Yes — if your referral covers both services and we’re authorized for both, you can receive chiropractic and PT at Total Vitality Medical Group. Talk to your VA provider about including both in your referral.
You Served. You’ve Earned This Care.
Service-related injuries don’t always show up right away, and they don’t always heal on their own. Whether you’re dealing with a back injury that’s been bothering you for years or new pain that’s starting to affect your daily life, you may have more access to treatment than you think.
Total Vitality Medical Group is proud to serve the veterans of the Tampa Bay community. If you think VA Community Care may be right for you, contact our office and our team will help you understand your options.
About the Author: Dr. Adam Rosoff, DC
