How to Apply for VA Healthcare
Complete enrollment guide for veterans. Learn about eligibility requirements, priority groups, and the step-by-step application process to access the quality care you've earned.
Getting enrolled in VA healthcare is one of the most important steps you can take as a veteran. The VA health care system provides comprehensive medical benefits including preventive health services, primary care, specialist referrals, mental health services, and prescription coverage. Whether you're transitioning from active duty or have been out of service for years, understanding how to apply for VA healthcare will help you access the quality care you've earned.
This complete guide walks you through everything you need to know about VA healthcare eligibility, the enrollment process, required documents, and what to expect after you apply.
Understanding VA Healthcare Eligibility Requirements
Before you begin your VA healthcare application, it's important to understand the eligibility criteria. Most veterans who served in active military service and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable qualify for VA medical benefits.
Basic Eligibility Criteria
To enroll in VA healthcare, you must meet these fundamental requirements:
Service Requirements:
- You served in the active military, naval, or air service
- You were discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable
- You completed at least 24 continuous months of active duty service or the full period for which you were called to active duty (some exceptions apply for Reservists and National Guard members)
Character of Discharge:
The Veterans Health Administration evaluates each veteran's discharge status. Generally, you're eligible if you received an honorable, general, or medical discharge. If you received an other-than-honorable discharge, you may still qualify depending on the circumstances.
Additional Qualifying Factors:
- Former service members who served in a theater of combat operations after November 11, 1998
- Veterans exposed to toxic substances or environmental hazards during service
- Veterans with service-connected disabilities
- Veterans who receive VA disability compensation
- Veterans below certain income thresholds
Special Eligibility Categories
Certain veterans receive enhanced enrollment consideration:
Recently Discharged Combat Veterans
If you served in a theater of combat operations after November 11, 1998, you're eligible for enhanced enrollment for five years following discharge. This means you can access VA health care for any condition during this time.
Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities
Veterans rated 10% or higher for service-connected disabilities receive priority enrollment and may qualify for cost-free healthcare services for conditions related to their rating.
Catastrophically Disabled Veterans
Veterans with catastrophically disabling injuries or illnesses incurred or aggravated in the line of duty receive the highest priority for VA healthcare enrollment.
Former Prisoners of War
Veterans who were prisoners of war are eligible for VA healthcare regardless of length of service.
Medal of Honor Recipients
Recipients of the Medal of Honor are eligible for VA healthcare and are exempt from copayments.
VA Healthcare Priority Groups Explained
The VA uses a priority group system to manage enrollment and ensure veterans with the greatest needs receive care first. When you apply, you'll be assigned to one of eight priority groups based on factors like service-connected disabilities, income level, and special eligibility factors.
Priority Group 1 (Highest Priority)
This group includes:
- •Veterans with VA-rated service-connected disabilities of 50% or more
- •Veterans determined by VA to be unemployable due to service-connected conditions
Benefits: Enrollment in this group provides comprehensive healthcare coverage with minimal to no out-of-pocket costs.
Priority Group 2
This includes:
- •Veterans with VA-rated service-connected disabilities of 30% or 40%
Benefits: Extensive healthcare coverage with reduced or no copayments for service-connected conditions.
Priority Group 3
This group covers:
- •Veterans with VA-rated service-connected disabilities of 10% or 20%
- •Former prisoners of war
- •Veterans awarded the Purple Heart
- •Veterans whose discharge was for a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty
Priority Groups 4-8
Lower priority groups include veterans with varying income levels, those receiving VA pension benefits, veterans eligible for Medicaid, and others. Understanding your priority group helps you anticipate wait times, copayment responsibilities, and the scope of healthcare services available to you.
Step-by-Step VA Healthcare Application Process
Applying for VA healthcare is straightforward, with multiple convenient options to complete your enrollment. Follow these steps to get enrolled in VA health care.
Gather Required Documents
Before you start your application, collect these important documents:
Military Service Information:
- •DD Form 214, DD Form 215, or NGB Form 22 (discharge papers)
- •Service dates and branch of service information
Personal Identification:
- •Social Security number
- •Current mailing address
- •Email address and phone number
Financial Information (if applicable):
- •Previous year's gross household income
- •Deductible unreimbursed medical expenses
- •Information about other health insurance
Note: If you don't have your DD Form 214, you can request it through the National Archives at archives.gov or by contacting your service branch's personnel office.
Choose Your Application Method
The VA offers four convenient ways to apply for VA healthcare:
Online Application (Recommended - Fastest Option)
- 1. Visit VA.gov and navigate to the healthcare application portal
- 2. Sign in to your VA.gov account or create one
- 3. Complete VA Form 10-10EZ online
- 4. Review and submit your application
- 5. Receive immediate confirmation
Time Required: 20-30 minutes | Processing: Typically reviewed within one week
By Mail
Download and print VA Form 10-10EZ from VA.gov, complete all sections, and mail to:
2957 Clairmont Rd., Suite 200
Atlanta, GA 30329-1647
Time Required: 30-45 minutes | Processing: 2-4 weeks
In Person
Visit your nearest VA medical center or clinic, bring your documents, and complete the application with assistance. You'll receive immediate answers to questions.
Time Required: 45-60 minutes | Processing: Same day to one week
By Phone
Call the VA Health Benefits hotline at 1-877-222-VETS (1-877-222-8387). Speak with an enrollment specialist Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET.
Time Required: 30-45 minutes | Processing: 1-2 weeks
Complete the Application
When filling out VA Form 10-10EZ, you'll provide:
- Section I: Veteran Information - Personal identification details, contact information, military service history
- Section II: Insurance Information - Medicare, Medicaid, or private health insurance details
- Section III: Household Financial Information - Previous year's gross annual income, net worth, medical expenses
- Section IV: Dependent Information - Spouse and dependent children information if applicable
Important: Answer all questions truthfully and completely. Providing false information can delay your application or result in denial of benefits.
Wait for Your Eligibility Determination
VA healthcare application processing times vary based on application method, completeness, and current volume.
Typical Processing Times:
- Online applications:7-10 business days
- Phone applications:10-14 business days
- Mail applications:2-4 weeks
- In-person applications:Same day to 7 business days
During this time, the VA will verify your military service, confirm your discharge status, review your financial information, determine your priority group, and check for service-connected disabilities.
Receive Your Decision
You'll receive notification of your healthcare enrollment decision by mail. This notification will include:
- Your enrollment status (approved or denied)
- Your assigned priority group
- Information about copayment requirements
- Your VA healthcare benefits effective date
- Instructions for scheduling your first appointment
If Approved:
Your enrollment is effective immediately. You can begin scheduling appointments and accessing VA health services right away.
If Denied:
The letter will explain the reason for denial and your options for appeal or additional information submission.
What's Covered by VA Healthcare
Once enrolled, you gain access to a comprehensive range of VA health services:
Preventive and Wellness Services
- •Annual health examinations
- •Immunizations and vaccinations
- •Preventive screenings
- •Nutrition counseling
- •Smoking cessation programs
- •Weight management programs
Primary and Specialty Care
- •Primary care physician visits
- •Specialty care referrals
- •Women's health services
- •Geriatric care
- •Pain management
- •Rehabilitation services
Mental Health and Counseling
- •Mental health assessments
- •PTSD counseling and treatment
- •Substance abuse treatment programs
- •Depression and anxiety therapy
- •Suicide prevention services
- •Couples and family counseling
Additional Services
- •Prescription medications
- •Medical equipment and prosthetics
- •Home health care
- •Hospice and palliative care
- •Vision care (for certain veterans)
- •Hearing aids and audiology services
Note: Some services may require copayments based on your priority group and income level. Veterans in Priority Groups 1-6 generally receive care at no cost or reduced copays.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get approved for VA healthcare?
Most applications are processed within 7-10 business days for online submissions and 2-4 weeks for mail applications. Complex cases requiring additional verification may take longer.
Can I apply for VA healthcare if I'm still on active duty?
Generally, you must be discharged from active duty to enroll in VA healthcare. However, you can apply shortly before your discharge date. Active duty service members should continue using TRICARE until discharge.
Do I need to re-enroll every year?
No. Once enrolled, your VA healthcare coverage continues unless you request disenrollment. However, you must complete an annual income verification if your eligibility is based on financial need.
How much does VA healthcare cost?
Costs vary by priority group. Priority Groups 1-6 receive most care free with no copays. Priority Groups 7-8 may have copayments for outpatient care ($15-$50), prescriptions ($5-$11), and inpatient stays. Service-connected care is always free regardless of priority group.
Can I have both VA healthcare and Medicare?
Yes. Many veterans have both. You can use VA healthcare for your primary care and Medicare for services not covered by VA. Keep Medicare Part A (hospitalization) at no cost if you're eligible, and decide whether to keep Medicare Part B based on your situation.
Ready to Apply for VA Healthcare?
Don't wait to access the healthcare benefits you've earned through your military service. The VA health care system provides comprehensive medical services to millions of veterans across the country.
Start Your Application Today
- Apply online at VA.gov (fastest option)
- Call 1-877-222-VETS for phone assistance
- Visit your nearest VA medical center
- Get support from a Veterans Service Organization