VA health care: where to start

Check the health care eligibility rules

Eligibility can depend on service, discharge, minimum-duty requirements, and other circumstances. Expanded eligibility may apply to certain exposures and service locations. National Guard and Reserve service has its own qualifying-service rules.

A compensation claim and a health care application are separate processes. Check the official health care rules even if you have never received a disability rating.

Apply and review your enrollment information

Use the official application options and gather the service and financial information the application requests. Enrollment priority and costs can depend on eligibility factors and income. Health care enrollment does not automatically provide every service, including all dental care.

Find the right kind of support

For care questions, contact the VA health care team or facility. Some mental health services may be available even without enrollment; read the official mental health page for the available routes. A benefits-consulting appointment is not emergency care.

Keep exploring

Check the current requirements