You apply for VA health care by filing VA Form 10-10EZ — online at va.gov/health-care/apply, by phone at 877-222-8387, by mail, or in person at any VA medical center. Online takes about 20–30 minutes and is usually processed within a week.
Who qualifies
Most veterans qualify if they served on active duty and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Generally you also need 24 continuous months of active service or the full period you were called up for — with exceptions for Reservists, National Guard members, and veterans discharged for service-connected disability.
Some veterans get enhanced eligibility, including:
- Veterans with service-connected disabilities
- Combat veterans who served after November 11, 1998
- Veterans exposed to toxins or environmental hazards
- Former prisoners of war and Medal of Honor recipients
- Veterans with income below VA thresholds
When you enroll, the VA places you in one of eight priority groups based on disability rating, income, and service history. Your group sets your copays. Current group definitions are on va.gov.
Step 1: Gather your documents
- DD-214 (or DD-215 / NGB-22) discharge papers — replacements are free at archives.gov
- Social Security number and current contact information
- Last year’s household income for you, your spouse, and dependents (if applicable)
- Other health insurance details — Medicare, Medicaid, or private coverage
- Dependent information — names, birth dates, Social Security numbers
Step 2: Apply — four ways
Online (fastest)
Go to va.gov/health-care/apply, sign in or create a free account, and complete Form 10-10EZ. You get a confirmation number right away, and most online applications are reviewed within about a week.
By phone
Call 877-222-8387 (877-222-VETS), Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. An enrollment specialist completes the application with you.
By mail
Download and print Form 10-10EZ from VA.gov, then mail it — with copies, not originals, of your DD-214 — to: Health Eligibility Center, 2957 Clairmont Rd., Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30329-1647. Allow two to four weeks for processing.
In person
Visit the enrollment coordinator at any VA medical center or clinic. Staff help you complete the form and answer questions on the spot. Not sure where the nearest one is? Use our guide to find a VA facility near you.
Step 3: After you apply
The VA verifies your military service, reviews your finances, and assigns your priority group. You receive a decision letter with your enrollment status, copay responsibilities, and instructions for scheduling your first appointment. If you are approved, you can book care right away — including mental health services. If you are denied, the letter explains why and how to appeal.
Want free help with the application or an appeal? An accredited Veterans Service Officer costs nothing — learn how to find one.
Common questions
How long does the VA take to process my application?
Online applications are usually the fastest — often reviewed within about a week. Phone and in-person applications take days to two weeks, and mailed forms can take two to four weeks. You will get a decision letter with your enrollment status, priority group, and copay information.
What if I cannot find my DD-214?
You can request a replacement free of charge from the National Archives at archives.gov, or ask your service branch personnel office. An accredited Veterans Service Officer can also help you track it down at no cost.
What are priority groups?
When you enroll, the VA assigns you to one of eight priority groups based on service-connected disability rating, income, and special factors like combat service or POW status. Group 1 is the highest priority. Your group determines enrollment order and what copays, if any, you pay.
Does applying cost anything?
No. Applying is free, and you never need to pay anyone to file for you. Care for service-connected conditions is free once enrolled; other care may carry modest copays depending on your priority group.