VA health care | Veterans Affairs (2024)

With VA health care, you’re covered for regular checkups with your primary care provider and appointments with specialists (like cardiologists, gynecologists, and mental health providers). You can access Veterans health care services like home health and geriatric (elder) care, and you can get medical equipment, prosthetics, and prescriptions. Find out how to apply for and manage the health care benefits you’ve earned.

How do I get help if I'm homeless or at risk of becoming homeless?

We offer many programs and services that may help—including free health care and, in some cases, free limited dental care. We can also help you connect with resources in your community, like homeless shelters or faith-based organizations.

Find the support you need:

  • Call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838 for help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You’ll talk privately with a trained VA counselor for free.
  • Contact your nearest VA medical center and ask to talk with the VA social worker. If you're a female Veteran, ask for the Women Veterans Program Manager.
    Find the nearest VA medical center

Talk with someone right now:

If you're a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, connect with our caring, qualified Veterans Crisis Line responders for confidential help. Many of them are Veterans themselves. This service is private, free, and available 24/7.
Chat online with a trained VA staff member

Get VA health care

  • Learn how VA health care works and which Veterans health care services we cover.

  • Find out if you’re eligible for Veterans health care benefits and how priority groups work.

  • Learn how to prepare and apply for VA health care online, by phone, by mail, or in person.

  • Start your Veterans health care application now.

  • Find out when to expect a decision on your application, and what to do next.

  • Are you getting medical care outside the U.S. for a service-connected condition? Find out how the Foreign Medical Program works and how to register.

  • Find out if you qualify for VA medical benefits as a spouse, surviving spouse, dependent child, or caregiver.

  • Find out if you’re eligible for discounted private dental insurance for Veterans and family members. And learn how to enroll in a plan that best meets your needs.

Manage your health and benefits

  • Order a prescription refill and track your shipment online.

  • Communicate privately with your VA health care team through secure messaging.

  • Schedule, cancel, and manage some health appointments online.

  • View, download, and print your labs and test results.

  • Order hearing aid batteries and accessories, CPAP supplies, and prosthetic socks online, by phone, or by mail.

  • Set up your personal health record and download reports to share with your VA and non-VA doctors.

  • Update your personal, financial, or insurance information after you’re enrolled in VA health care.

  • Pay your VA copay securely online, by phone or mail, or in person—and find out what to do if you’re struggling to make payments.

  • Find out how to apply for reimbursem*nt for your travel to a VA health facility.

More information and resources

  • View our current copay rates for different types of care, tests, and medications.

  • Find out how to access VA mental health services for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychological effects of military sexual trauma (MST), depression, grief, anxiety, and other needs.

  • Find out how to get care for specific needs (like women’s health), and learn about service-related health concerns you should be aware of (like Agent Orange-related diseases or Camp Lejeune water contamination).

  • Learn about health concerns linked to exposures during military service. Learn about the special VA health registries you can join that document Veterans' exposure to Agent Orange, depleted uranium, ionizing radiation, airborne hazards, and other hazardous materials.

  • Explore VA programs to help you get and stay healthy in both body and mind.

  • If you’re enrolled in VA health care, find out how you may be able to receive care from a provider in your local community through community care.

  • Learn how your income affects your VA health care eligibility and costs. And find out if you may be eligible for free or reduced cost health care based on your income.

  • Find out what you need to know about the Affordable Care Act and what it means for Veterans.

  • Check if you can be a part of this voluntary research study to better understand the role genes play in our health.

  • Get information about your VA facility, like how quickly you can be seen and what other Veterans say about their experiences.

  • Review your basic rights and responsibilities when you receive care at a VA health facility or live in a VA community living center.

Other VA benefits and services

  • Learn how to file a claim for disability compensation and manage your disability benefits.

  • Explore your life insurance options and find out how to apply as a service member, Veteran, or family member.

  • Find out if you can get increased pension pay as a Veteran or surviving spouse who has disabilities.

  • Learn about Veterans burial benefits, how to plan a burial service, and how to get compensation as a survivor.

  • Apply for and manage GI Bill and other education benefits to help pay for college and training programs.

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VA health care | Veterans Affairs (2024)

FAQs

What disqualifies you from VA benefits? ›

Generally, to receive VA benefits and services, the Veteran's character of discharge or service must be under other than dishonorable conditions (e.g., honorable, under honorable conditions, general).

How to pass a VA medical exam? ›

If you are scheduled to undergo a VA C&P exam, here are five tips that can help you ensure that the exam is productive:
  1. DOCUMENT YOUR SYMPTOMS. ...
  2. BE ON TIME. ...
  3. LIMIT THE INFORMATION YOU PROVIDE. ...
  4. MIND YOUR MANNERS. ...
  5. CARD, COPY, AND DOCUMENT.

Can you make too much money to qualify for VA benefits? ›

Some Veterans are eligible for VA health care no matter their income. You may be eligible based on your VA disability rating, service history, or other factors. If you think you may be eligible, we encourage you to apply anytime. Review health care eligibility factors.

How long does it take to get an answer from the VA? ›

The VA estimates that it takes them 94 days to review a VA disability application. However, many cases take much longer than that. Here are some factors that can shorten or extend the time it takes to reach a decision: Type of claim filed.

What is the 70-40 rule for VA disability? ›

To be eligible for schedular TDIU benefits, a veteran must have either: a single service-connected condition with a rating of at least 60 percent; or. (the 70/40 rule) at least two service-connected conditions with a combined rating of at least 70 percent, with at least one of the conditions rated 40 percent or higher.

What conditions automatically qualify you for VA disability? ›

You may be able to get VA disability benefits for conditions like these:
  • Chronic (long-lasting) back pain resulting in a current diagnosed back disability.
  • Breathing problems resulting from a current lung condition or lung disease.
  • Severe hearing loss.
  • Scar tissue.
  • Loss of range of motion (problems moving your body)
  • Ulcers.
Aug 15, 2023

What not to say at a VA exam? ›

What not to say at a C&P Exam? Under no circ*mstances should you lie or stretch the truth (also called malingering) when it comes to your VA disability claim. At your C&P exam, you should be appearing as you do on a normal day.

What is the easiest way to get 100% VA disability? ›

Achieving a 100% VA disability rating requires demonstrating complete and total disability through medical evidence, with certain severe conditions like loss of limbs or blindness automatically qualifying.

Is it okay to cry at the C&P exam? ›

It's okay to cry during your C&P exam. Your emotional response can play a crucial role in helping the examiner understand the full extent of your condition. Allow yourself to be vulnerable and honest about your experiences.

Why would someone not qualify for VA benefits? ›

What should I do if I received an other than honorable, bad conduct, or dishonorable discharge? If you've received one of these discharge statuses, you may not be eligible for VA benefits.

Can I work with 100% VA disability? ›

If your 100% VA Disability Rating comes because you qualify for the 100% rating specified for a single (or combination of multiple) service-connected conditions using the Schedule of Ratings, then you have NO limitations on your ability to work. Some Veterans think that this doesn't make sense.

What gives you highest VA disability? ›

Here Are The Top Ten:
  • Tinnitus.
  • Hearing Loss.
  • Limitation of Flexion, Knee.
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain (Back Pain)
  • Scars, General.
  • Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve.
  • Limitation of Range of Motion of the Ankle.

What is the largest VA back pay? ›

There is no limit to the amount of back pay a veteran can receive.

What is the average VA rating for hypertension? ›

60% rating is given if your diastolic pressure is 130 or higher. 40% rating is given if your diastolic pressure measures between 120 and 129. 20% rating is given if your diastolic pressure is 110-119, or your systolic pressure is 200 or higher.

What is the 5 year rule for VA disability? ›

The VA 5-year rule protects your disability claim by not allowing the VA to reduce your disability rating unless your condition has significantly improved over time. This rule pertains to a rating that has been in effect for five years or longer. After a five-year period, the rating is considered a stabilized rating.

Why would VA benefits be denied? ›

Your Disability Wasn't Service-Connected

One of the main requirements for a VA disability claim is that the injury or disorder was either caused or worsened by military service. If the VA believes your disability is unrelated or happened after your service, your claim has a high chance of rejection.

What can cause you to lose your VA benefits? ›

Only in cases where fraud can be proven or a serious mistake was made can your benefits be considered for termination. If you have not been receiving VA disability for ten or more years and VA determines that your injury or illness is not service-connected, your benefits may be threatened.

What VA claims get denied? ›

VA denies claims when the care was not preauthorized, and the Veteran does not meet eligibility requirements for emergency care. VA rejects claims that cannot be paid or denied due to billing errors or the need for additional information.

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