If you’re a veteran living in Walnut Creek and wondering whether chiropractic care is covered under your VA benefits, you’re not alone. It can be confusing to navigate all the systems, acronyms, and referral requirements—especially when you’re dealing with pain or trying to recover from years of wear and tear.
At our clinic in Walnut Creek, we frequently work with veterans through the TriWest network. This guide breaks it all down: how it works, who qualifies, what the process looks like, and how chiropractic care might help you live with less pain, more mobility, and stronger well-being. Let’s start with the basics.
What Is TriWest, and How Does It Help Veterans?
TriWest Healthcare Alliance partners with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as a third-party administrator.The goal? Making it easier for community providers—like chiropractors—to offer care to veterans when VA clinics are too far away, too busy, or don’t offer the needed services.
TriWest Is Part of the VA’s Community Care Network (CCN)
Here’s what that means:
- If the VA approves it, veterans can see a local provider outside the traditional VA medical system.
- TriWest processes the referrals and billing, so you don’t pay out-of-pocket (as long as it’s approved care).
- Chiropractic care is one of the covered services under this network, depending on your needs and referral.
So, if you’re a veteran in Walnut Creek who’s been referred for chiropractic care by your VA provider (or think you might benefit from it), TriWest could be the bridge to getting that care close to home.
Common Chronic Pain Conditions Veterans Experience
Many veterans deal with physical issues long after service. Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive option for managing these types of symptoms:
- Low back pain
- Neck pain
- Shoulder tension
- Sciatica
- Headaches or migraines
- Joint stiffness or decreased range of motion
- Muscle tightness from old injuries
Veterans often carry the physical impact of years of physical exertion, gear wear, stress, or service-related trauma. Chiropractic care focuses on restoring movement, improving function, and relieving pain—all without drugs or surgery.
Is Chiropractic Care Covered by the VA?
Yes—chiropractic care is an available health service through the VA, but there’s a specific process to follow.
Here’s how coverage typically works:
Understanding the process can take the pressure off. If you’re unsure how to get started or what to expect from the VA and TriWest, don’t worry. Here’s a clear breakdown of how veterans typically access chiropractic care through their VA benefits.
- You start with your VA primary care provider (PCP). Let them know about your symptoms, discomfort, or what you’re hoping to improve.
- Your VA provider refers you to chiropractic care, usually under the Community Care program (which TriWest manages in your region).
- TriWest processes the referral and authorizes visits to an approved local chiropractor—ideally someone experienced with veterans (like us!).
- You schedule and attend your appointments. We handle the paperwork, authorizations, and coordination with the VA/TriWest.
Important: You must have the referral and authorization before beginning chiropractic treatment. The VA won’t reimburse retroactively.
How Veterans in Walnut Creek Can Access Chiropractic Care
If you’re based in Walnut Creek—or anywhere in Contra Costa County—here’s a practical breakdown of what you should do.
Step-by-Step Guide for Veterans
Not sure what steps to take? This quick guide lays out what you need to do to start receiving chiropractic care through the Community Care program. It all starts with a simple conversation with your VA provider.
- Tell your VA primary care provider about your interest in chiropractic care. Mention your symptoms and why you’d prefer a non-pharmacological approach.
- Request a Community Care referral for chiropractic services.
- Ask your VA provider to specify a local clinic, especially if you already have a preferred provider in Walnut Creek.
- TriWest will contact you (or your clinic will) once the authorization is approved.
- Start care at the approved Chiropractic clinic.
Having an experienced, VA-authorized clinic in Walnut Creek helps to simplify this process. We ensure all documentation is compliant and treatments support your long-term health goals.
What Should You Expect from Your First Visit?
If it’s your first time seeing a chiropractor—or your first time navigating care under VA Community Care—it’s completely normal to feel a bit uncertain. Here’s what to expect:
During Your Initial Appointment:
Your first visit is about listening, assessing, and building a plan that fits your body and your goals. Here’s what you can expect when you walk into our Walnut Creek clinic for chiropractic care through TriWest.
- We’ll review your VA referral and medical history.
- A thorough physical assessment focused on your concerns (it’s not a cookie-cutter visit).
- Discussion of a personalized treatment plan, including frequency and duration.
- Treatment may start the same day, depending on the nature of your condition and authorization.
Chiropractic Techniques We Often Use with Veterans:
Every veteran’s body is different, so we tailor our approach based on your needs. These are the most common chiropractic techniques we use to support mobility, comfort, and long-term function.
- Spinal adjustments (manual or instrument-assisted)
- Soft tissue therapy
- Range-of-motion improvement exercises
- Postural adjustments and home care recommendations
All treatments are tailored to your comfort level and physical condition.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Veterans
Chiropractic treatment isn’t just about short-term relief. It can be a powerful part of your long-term health regimen. Here’s how it often helps our veteran patients:
Physical Benefits
Chiropractic care does more than just relieve pain. These physical improvements are what many of our veteran patients experience over the course of treatment.
- Improved range of motion
- Reduced inflammation
- Better spinal alignment
- Faster recovery from overuse injuries
- Less reliance on opioid or pain medication
Mental & Emotional Benefits
The benefits of chiropractic care go beyond the physical. For many veterans, feeling better in their bodies also brings relief to the mind. Here’s how that shows up in daily life.
- Reduced stress and anxiety (especially when dealing with chronic pain)
- Better sleep
- Improved mood and quality of life
- Confidence in managing your body again
Can You Choose Your Own Chiropractor?
Yes, the VA gives you some input. If you know of a chiropractic clinic that accepts TriWest and works with veterans, you can ask your VA provider to specify that clinic in your Community Care referral.
Just be aware:
- The clinic must be registered as a TriWest provider.
- They need to follow specific VA documentation and treatment authorization processes.
We’re proud to be a go-to TriWest chiropractic provider in Walnut Creek and have helped many veterans like you get relief without being bounced around the system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many chiropractic visits does the VA authorize through TriWest?
It depends on your referral. Most authorizations start with a set number of visits (e.g. 12 or 20), and your chiropractor can submit updates and re-authorization requests based on your progress.
Can family members of veterans use TriWest?
No—TriWest care under the Community Care program is only for eligible veterans receiving VA health benefits.
Do I need to pay anything out-of-pocket?
Not for approved services. Once authorization is in place, all covered services under TriWest are billed directly to the VA.
What if I miss an appointment?
Just be sure to give the clinic as much notice as possible to reschedule. No-shows or missed appointments may count against your approved visit total.
Why Choose a Local Chiropractor in Walnut Creek?
Choosing a local TriWest provider means:
- Less driving and more accessibility
- Familiarity with local VA facilities and systems
- A smaller, more personalized setting to receive care
- A quicker response when it comes to handling paperwork or scheduling
At our Walnut Creek clinic, we understand your time is valuable and your goals matter. We take pride in providing thoughtful, veteran-centered chiropractic care that aligns with your service history, physical needs, and VA coverage.
Take the Next Step Toward Feeling Better
If you’re a veteran struggling with pain, stiffness, or old injuries, you don’t have to tough it out alone. Chiropractic care through TriWest offers a real path forward—and one that’s covered under your VA benefits if done right.
Here’s what you can do today:
- Talk to your VA provider about your symptoms
- Request a Community Care chiropractic referral
- Ask to be referred to a trusted chiropractor in Walnut Creek
- Contact our clinic to learn more about what coverage includes and how we can help you
You served. You’ve earned this care. Let’s get you feeling better—starting from the ground up.
Want to learn more? Follow our blog for veteran-focused wellness tips, or contact our front desk for help navigating the TriWest process. We’re honored to support those who have served.
