Summer COVID Surge 2026: Veterans Guide

Summer COVID Surge 2026: What Veterans Need to Know

The U.S. is experiencing a summer COVID-19 surge as of August 2026, with infections growing in 43 states, particularly in the South and West . While overall virus levels remain low and the wave appears milder than previous years, veterans—especially those who are older, immunocompromised, or have underlying health conditions—remain at risk . The VA offers free COVID-19 vaccines, telehealth urgent care, and disability benefits for veterans with long COVID residuals .

Quick Facts

Understanding the 2026 Summer COVID Surge

What’s Happening Right Now

The COVID-19 summer surge is real, even if many Americans have moved on from the pandemic. According to CDC data, emergency department visits for COVID-19 rose from 0.1 percent to 0.3 percent of visits between July and August 2026 .

Key data points:

• 43 states are seeing growing or likely growing infections

• 0 states are seeing declining infections

• 7 states are seeing no significant change 

Highest wastewater levels are concentrated in the western and southern U.S., with coastal cities in California and Florida showing the strongest signals . Alaska is currently reporting high activity, while California, Kentucky, and Hawaii are at moderate levels .

The Seasonal Pattern

COVID-19 has established a distinct seasonal pattern, unlike influenza which only surges in winter. COVID now spikes twice each year—in summer and winter .

Dr. Susan Kline, an infectious disease professor at the University of Minnesota, explains: “If you look back over the last few years… the lowest rates across the country are usually late June, early July, and then in August you start to see this increase in rates. And last year there was actually a peak in late August, going into mid-September” .

Why This Surge Feels Different

This summer’s wave appears to be getting milder each year, sending fewer people to the hospital and causing fewer deaths . Dr. John Brooks, an infectious disease specialist at Emory University who previously worked at the CDC, attributes this to growing herd immunity: “More and more people have had one or more infections that give them some immunity against the virus and have had more than one vaccination, or maybe both. And all of that really has begun to offer us a lot of protection” .

Important caveat: Despite the milder trend, COVID-19 remains dangerous for:

• Older adults

• Infants

• People who are immunocompromised 

Caitlin Rivers, an epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins, notes: “In a typical office, if you have 20 colleagues, it’s likely that one or two of them have some degree of immunocompromise. So it’s very common that people have risk factors that make COVID-19 dangerous” .

COVID-19 VA Disability Benefits

Can Veterans Get VA Benefits for COVID-19?

Yes, but not for the virus itself—only for its long-term effects. “The first thing to understand is that COVID-19 itself does not have a VA disability rating,” explains Bradley Hennings, partner at CCK Law. “It is an acute illness, meaning it typically runs its course and resolves. VA cannot compensate you for a disease that is no longer present” .

What VA does cover: Chronic, ongoing health problems left behind by the virus—commonly known as “long COVID” or “long-haul COVID” .

Who Qualifies for Presumptive Service Connection

Under 38 USC § 1164, veterans with qualifying service may be eligible for presumptive service connection for COVID-19 residuals . This means VA automatically presumes the COVID-19 infection was contracted in the line of duty if you served:

Plus: You must have been diagnosed with COVID-19 during that service or within 14 days after it ended .

Important: The presumption only establishes that your COVID-19 infection was service-connected. You still need medical evidence showing your current chronic symptoms were actually caused by that COVID-19 infection .

Common COVID-19 Residuals That May Qualify

A 2023 study of nearly 470,000 VA patients found that approximately 3.93 percent of veterans who contracted COVID-19 were subsequently coded for long COVID—about 16,000 veterans for this study alone .

Common residuals include :

How VA Rates COVID-19 Residuals

Instead of a single diagnostic code for COVID-19, VA rates residuals using the diagnostic codes for the particular body system damaged by the virus .

For example:

• Lung damage → rated under respiratory system criteria (DC 6600 for chronic bronchitis, DC 6825 for diffuse interstitial fibrosis, etc.)

• Cardiac complications → rated under VA’s general rating formula for heart disease (DC 7005, etc.) 

Evidence You’ll Need

To establish a claim for COVID-19 residuals, you will likely need :

1. Medical records from your treating provider documenting ongoing symptoms

2. A nexus opinion from a medical professional connecting your current conditions to your COVID-19 diagnosis

What veterans should do next: If you are experiencing ongoing health problems following a COVID-19 infection during qualifying service, file a VA disability claim. Work with a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) or accredited attorney to gather the necessary medical evidence.

VA COVID-19 Vaccines: Who Gets Them and How

Eligibility for VA Vaccines

VA provides COVID-19 vaccines to all eligible individuals. Under the SAVES LIVES Act, the following groups can receive vaccines at VA facilities :

• Veterans — Anyone who served in the U.S. military

• Spouses of veterans (including same-sex and common-law marriages, widows/widowers)

• Caregivers of veterans (family members or friends who provide care)

• CHAMPVA recipients (Civilian Health and Medical Program of the VA)

Important: VA continues to prioritize vaccine supply for veterans enrolled in VA health care, but eligibility is broader for the vaccine itself .

How to Get Vaccinated Through VA

1. Visit your local VA medical center — Many facilities offer walk-in vaccines 

2. Check VA’s vaccine information page — www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine

3. Find a community vaccine site — vaccines.gov/search

Vaccine Recommendations

Unlike previous years, the CDC has not issued updated vaccine recommendations due to litigation over the Trump administration’s immunization policy changes . The administration no longer recommends annual shots for everyone aged 6 months and older.

However, major medical groups still recommend vaccination, and insurers have indicated they will continue covering vaccines. The shots are likely to remain free through government programs like the Vaccines for Children program .

Public health experts worry the conflicting messages will discourage people from getting vaccinated. Clare Hannan of the Association of Immunization Managers advises: “The message is that COVID vaccine and flu vaccine will be available, they’re covered by insurers, they’re recommended by medical societies. People should get them and get them for their kids” .

New Drug: Xocava (Post-Exposure Protection)

A new drug called Xocava is now available—it can be taken right after COVID-19 exposure to reduce the chance of actually getting sick . Dr. John Brooks describes it as “something for people to just have in the back of their mind,” particularly useful in hospitals and nursing homes for vulnerable populations .

VA Health Care Options During the Surge

Telehealth Urgent Care

VA offers telehealth urgent care for veterans with non-life-threatening health concerns—including COVID-19, flu, colds, and other urgent issues .

What you get:

• Connect with qualified VA medical professionals from home

• Same-day clinical evaluation

• Nurses available to evaluate symptoms and recommend next steps

• Details added to your medical record so your care team stays informed 

When to call: For COVID-19 symptoms, colds, coughs, flu, lab or x-ray results, back pain, urinary symptoms, dental pain, sore throat, ear pain, and other urgent care needs.

Call: 859-281-4949, select option 3 

When to Go to the Emergency Room

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if you experience :

• Chest pain

• Sudden or severe pain

• Difficulty speaking, slurred speech, or sudden severe headache

• Uncontrolled bleeding

• Changes in vision

• Confusion or changes in mental status

• Coughing or vomiting blood

• Difficulty breathing

• Seizures

• Major broken bones

• Suicidal or homicidal feelings

Virtual Care: A Lasting Benefit

The pandemic-driven shift to virtual care has become a permanent feature of VA health care. A 2026 qualitative study found that the increased use of virtual care has persisted, with veterans becoming increasingly comfortable with video and phone visits .

Benefits identified:

• Improved access for rural veterans

• Helpful for veterans with transportation or mobility challenges

• Particularly effective for behavioral health visits 

Limitations: Primary care providers noted that initial assessments, diagnosis of depression, and evaluation of “fragile” cases are often better done in person .

Protecting Yourself: What Veterans Should Do Now

Steps to Take During the Summer Surge

1. Get vaccinated — Check with your local VA for availability

2. Stay home if sick — Protect yourself and others

3. Use telehealth — Call VA Telehealth Urgent Care for evaluation

4. Monitor symptoms — Seek emergency care for severe symptoms

5. Consider masking — Epidemiologists still recommend masks in crowded spaces, especially for vulnerable individuals 

6. Ask about Xocava — If exposed, ask your provider about post-exposure protection 

For Veterans with Long COVID

• Document your symptoms — Keep records of ongoing health problems

• File a VA claim — Work with a VSO to apply for disability benefits

• Gather medical evidence — Get nexus opinions linking symptoms to COVID-19

Common Questions

Is there a summer COVID surge in 2026?

Yes. The CDC estimates infections are growing in 43 states as of August 2026. California, Kentucky, Hawaii, and Alaska are seeing the highest wastewater levels. Emergency department visits have increased .

Can I get VA disability for COVID-19?

Not for the acute illness itself, but yes for chronic residuals (long COVID). VA can rate ongoing conditions like respiratory problems, cardiac issues, neurological effects, and other organ damage that persists after infection .

Who qualifies for presumptive service connection for COVID-19?

Veterans who served on active duty between March 1, 2020, and January 5, 2024, for more than 48 consecutive hours, or active duty for training/Title 10 NG duty between March 13, 2020, and January 5, 2024, and were diagnosed with COVID-19 during that service or within 14 days after it ended .

Are COVID vaccines still free for veterans?

Yes. VA provides COVID-19 vaccines at no cost to veterans, spouses, and caregivers through VA facilities. The SAVES LIVES Act expanded eligibility. Check your local VA for availability .

How do I access VA care if I think I have COVID?

Call VA Telehealth Urgent Care at 859-281-4949, option 3. A nurse will evaluate your symptoms and recommend a virtual visit or next steps. For life-threatening symptoms, call 911 or go to the ER .

What is Xocava?

Xocava is a new drug that can be taken immediately after COVID-19 exposure to reduce the chance of developing the illness. It’s expected to be useful in hospitals and nursing homes when exposures happen to vulnerable people .

Does the VA still recommend COVID vaccines?

Major medical societies continue to recommend vaccination, and insurers are covering vaccines. The CDC has not issued updated guidance for 2026 due to policy litigation. Public health experts still recommend getting vaccinated .

What are the most common long COVID symptoms in veterans?

Long COVID residuals include persistent shortness of breath, reduced lung capacity, cardiac complications, “brain fog,” loss of taste or smell, depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue, headaches, joint pain, and kidney damage. About 3.93% of VA patients with COVID-19 develop long COVID .

Are National Guard and Reserve members eligible for VA COVID benefits?

Yes, if they served on active duty for training or full-time National Guard duty under Title 10 orders between March 13, 2020, and January 5, 2024, for more than 48 consecutive hours .

How does VA rate long COVID?

VA doesn’t have a single rating for COVID-19. Instead, it rates the specific body systems affected using the appropriate diagnostic codes. For example, lung damage is rated under respiratory system criteria, and heart problems under cardiac formulas .

Key Takeaways

• The U.S. is in a summer COVID-19 surge as of August 2026, with infections growing in 43 states, particularly in the South and West .

• The surge appears milder than previous years, sending fewer people to the hospital, but COVID remains dangerous for older adults and immunocompromised individuals .

• VA offers free COVID-19 vaccines to veterans, spouses, and caregivers through local VA facilities .

• VA Telehealth Urgent Care provides same-day virtual evaluation for COVID-19 and other urgent needs at 859-281-4949, option 3 .

• Veterans can get VA disability benefits for long COVID residuals (chronic conditions) with presumptive service connection for qualifying service between March 2020 and January 2024 .

• COVID-19 does not have its own VA diagnostic code—residuals are rated under the appropriate body system (respiratory, cardiac, neurological, etc.) .

• A new drug, Xocava, is now available for post-exposure protection against COVID-19 .

• Vaccine guidance is in flux with conflicting messages, but medical societies still recommend vaccination and insurers cover it .

• Virtual care remains a key VA resource, with telehealth improving access for rural veterans and those with mobility challenges .

• If you have chronic symptoms after COVID-19, file a VA claim with medical evidence and a nexus opinion connecting your condition to the infection .

Official Resources

VA Health Care

• VA COVID-19 Vaccine Information: www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine

• VA Telehealth Urgent Care: 859-281-4949, option 3 

• VA Facility Locator: www.va.gov/find-locations

• VA Benefits Hotline: 800-827-1000

VA Disability Claims

• VA Disability Compensation: www.va.gov/disability

• VA Form 21-526EZ (Disability Compensation Application)

• Find a VSO: www.va.gov/get-help-from-accredited-representative

CDC & Public Health

• CDC COVID-19 Data Tracker: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus

• Vaccines.gov: www.vaccines.gov/search

Emergency Support

• Veterans Crisis Line: 988 (press 1) or text 838255