Chiropractic Care for Veterans in Milwaukie, Oregon
Back In Shape Chiropractic is part of the VA Community Care Network. If you're a veteran dealing with back or neck pain, we can help you understand your options and walk you through getting started.
Our Milwaukie office — proud to welcome veterans in the community
Thank You for Your Service
We've had the privilege of treating veterans in the Milwaukie and Portland area for many years, and we value the sacrifices you've made. Whether you're dealing with an old service-related injury or pain that's developed since, we're honored to be part of your care team — and we're here to make the process of getting that care as simple as possible.
We're Part of the VA Community Care Network
Chiropractic care is included in the VA's standard Medical Benefits Package for all eligible, enrolled veterans.1 If your local VA facility doesn't offer on-site chiropractic care, or if the wait time is too long, the VA can refer you to an outside provider through the VA Community Care Network — and we're proud to be one of those providers.1,2
When your care is properly authorized through this program, we coordinate directly with the VA for your treatment and billing, so you shouldn't see a bill for those covered visits.
How the Process Works
We know navigating VA paperwork can feel overwhelming, especially if you're already dealing with pain. Here's a simple walkthrough of what the process typically looks like:
Reach Out to the VA
Contact your VA primary care provider, or call the VA directly, and let them know you're dealing with back or neck pain and would like to explore chiropractic care. In many cases, this can be started with a phone call or through the VA's online tools (like My HealtheVet) — you may not need to schedule and attend an in-person appointment just to request the referral.3
Request a Community Care Referral
Let your VA provider know you'd like to be seen at Back In Shape Chiropractic. If your case qualifies for community care, your VA facility will review your request and prepare a referral — this step can take up to about two weeks.3
We Confirm Your Authorization
Once your referral is approved, we'll verify the details with the VA and reach out to get you scheduled. You can also call our office directly once your referral is in progress, and we're happy to help answer questions along the way.
Start Your Care
The VA commonly authorizes an initial course of around 12 chiropractic visits for conditions like back and neck pain, often spread out over about 12 weeks.4 This can include care aimed at ongoing pain management, not just short-term relief. If you need continued care after your authorized visits, we can request additional visits from the VA on your behalf.
What Can VA-Covered Chiropractic Care Help With?
VA chiropractic referrals most often cover care for non-surgical, non-operative conditions, including:
Chronic Back Pain
Ongoing low back or mid-back pain, including pain that's developed gradually or stems from an older service-related injury.
Neck Pain & Stiffness
Chronic neck pain, tension, and reduced range of motion that affects daily activities.
Pain Management
VA chiropractic care can be part of a broader, non-pharmacologic approach to managing chronic back and neck pain.1
Related Joint Conditions
Other musculoskeletal joint issues connected to your back or neck pain, evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Don't Have VA Health Benefits?
We're Still Here to Help
Not every veteran is enrolled in VA health care, and that's okay — you're still welcome at our office. We accept most major health insurance plans and Medicare, so if you'd prefer to use your regular insurance instead of going through the VA, we can help you get the same quality care that way.
2. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Chiropractic Care Locations — On-Station and Community Care.
3. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. How to Get Community Care Referrals and Schedule Appointments.
4. Typical VA Community Care chiropractic authorization periods, as commonly reported by VA Community Care Network providers nationwide; exact visit counts and authorization periods are determined by the VA on a case-by-case basis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral from the VA to see a chiropractor at Back In Shape?
Yes. To have your chiropractic care covered through the VA Community Care Network, you need a referral authorized by the VA. In many cases, you can start this process with a phone call or through the VA's online tools, without necessarily needing an in-person visit with your primary care provider first. We're happy to walk you through the first steps.
How many chiropractic visits does the VA typically approve?
The VA commonly authorizes an initial round of around 12 chiropractic visits, often spread out over about 12 weeks, for conditions like back and neck pain. If you need continued care after that, your chiropractor can request additional visits from the VA on your behalf.
Will I have to pay anything out of pocket?
When your care is properly authorized through the VA Community Care Network, you should not receive a bill for those covered visits. We coordinate directly with the VA for authorization and billing on approved care.
What conditions can VA-covered chiropractic care help with?
VA chiropractic referrals most commonly cover non-surgical back pain, neck pain, and related joint or musculoskeletal conditions, including pain management for chronic back and neck pain. Your VA provider will determine what your specific referral covers.
What if I'm a veteran but don't have VA health benefits?
You're still welcome at our office. We accept most major health insurance plans and Medicare, so veterans without VA benefits, or who prefer not to use them, can still receive care with us through their regular insurance.
Ready to Get Started?
Call or text our office and let us know you're a veteran interested in chiropractic care — we'll help you understand the next steps.
Disclaimer: This page is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for guidance from the VA or a qualified healthcare provider. VA eligibility, referral approval, authorized visit counts, and coverage are determined solely by the Department of Veterans Affairs and can vary based on individual circumstances. Please confirm your specific benefits and referral status directly with the VA.