Veteran Hospital Near Me: Locations, Hours and How to Enroll
You can find a veteran hospital near you using the VA Facility Locator at va.gov/find-locations. Enter your ZIP code, choose a facility type, and get addresses, phone numbers, and hours. To enroll in VA health care, submit VA Form 10-10EZ online, by phone, by mail, or in person at any VA medical center.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | VA health care enrollment through the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) |
| Eligibility | Veterans with qualifying active-duty service and a discharge that isn’t dishonorable |
| Application | VA Form 10-10EZ (online, phone, mail, or in person) |
| Processing Time | 5 business days for initial processing; decision letter typically within 1–2 weeks |
| Official Agency | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) |
| Required Forms | VA Form 10-10EZ; DD-214 or separation documents helpful |
| Updated For | 2026 |
How to Find a Veteran Hospital Near You
The fastest way to find a VA hospital, clinic, or Vet Center near you is the VA Facility Locator at va.gov/find-locations. Enter your city, state, or ZIP code, then filter by facility type: VA medical center, community-based outpatient clinic (CBOC), Vet Center, or VA benefits office.
The tool shows addresses, phone numbers, operating hours, and available services. You can also search for in-network urgent care and community care providers through the same tool.
VA Facility Types You Can Search
| Facility Type | What It Provides | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| VA Medical Center (VAMC) | Full-service hospital care, specialty care, emergency department | Complex conditions, surgery, inpatient care |
| Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) | Primary care, mental health, routine exams | Regular checkups, chronic condition management |
| Vet Center | Readjustment counseling, mental health support | Combat Veterans, PTSD, military sexual trauma |
| VA Benefits Office | Claims assistance, enrollment help | Filing disability claims, benefits questions |
| In-Network Urgent Care | Non-emergency care through community providers | Minor injuries, illness when your clinic is closed |
How to Search by Facility Name or Station Code
If you already know the name of a VA facility or its station code, the Facility Locator supports direct search. Enter the facility name in the search field, or use the station code if you have it. This is useful when you’re transferring care or checking specific services.
MyVA411: The Main VA Information Line
If you prefer to talk to someone, call MyVA411 at 800-698-2411. This line can help you find facilities, answer enrollment questions, and connect you with the right office. It operates as a general information line for all VA services.
VA Hospital and Clinic Hours of Operation
VA facility hours vary by location and type. Most VA medical centers operate Monday through Friday during standard business hours, with emergency departments open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Urgent care hours are typically shorter than emergency department hours.
Typical VA Primary Care Hours
Most VA primary care clinics operate Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They are closed on weekends and federal holidays. Same-day services in primary care and mental health are available during regular business hours at many facilities.
Typical VA Urgent Care Hours
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityVA urgent care hours are often Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., including holidays. Some locations offer weekend hours, but many are closed Saturday and Sunday. The best way to check urgent care hours near you is through the Facility Locator or by calling your local VA medical center.
Emergency Department Hours
VA emergency departments at full-service medical centers are generally open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room, whether it’s a VA facility or a community hospital.
Pharmacy Hours
VA pharmacy hours vary by facility. Most are open Monday through Friday during regular business hours, with some offering extended evening hours. Pharmacy services are generally not available on weekends or federal holidays. Check your local VA medical center’s page or call ahead before visiting.
24/7 Clinical Contact Center
Many VA facilities now offer VA Health Connect, a clinical contact center available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call for nurse triage, scheduling help, pharmacy questions, and virtual visits. Call your VA medical center and select the option to speak with a nurse.
Who Qualifies for VA Health Care
You may qualify for VA health care if you served in the active military, naval, or air service and didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge. Most Veterans who enlisted after September 7, 1980, or entered active duty after October 16, 1981, must have served 24 continuous months or the full period for which they were called to active duty.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
You served on active duty and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
You meet minimum active-duty service requirements
You meet one or more eligibility requirements specific to VA health care
Veterans Who May Qualify Without 24 Months of Service
Some Veterans qualify even without meeting the 24-month minimum. This includes:
Veterans discharged for a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty
Veterans who served prior to September 7, 1980
Members of the National Guard or Reserve called to active duty by a Federal Order (other than training)
PACT Act Expanded Eligibility
Under the PACT Act, all Veterans who were exposed to toxins and other hazards during military service—at home or abroad—are now eligible to enroll directly in VA health care. This expansion took effect in 2024, years earlier than originally planned. Veterans who never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards during training or on active duty in the United States are also eligible.
Active Duty, National Guard, and Reservists
Current and former members of the Reserve or National Guard who were called to active duty by a Federal Order (other than training) may be eligible for VA health care. You can start the enrollment process before leaving active duty, but enrollment isn’t final until you submit your DD Form 214.
VA Health Care Priority Groups Explained
When you enroll in VA health care, you’re assigned to one of eight priority groups. Your priority group determines how soon you’re enrolled, what copays you pay, and whether you receive certain services like dental care.
Priority Groups 1 Through 8
| Priority Group | Who Qualifies | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | Service-connected disabilities rated 50% or more disabling; Medal of Honor recipients | Highest priority, guaranteed enrollment, no copays |
| Group 2 | Service-connected disabilities rated 30% or 40% disabling | Guaranteed access, low copays |
| Group 3 | Former POWs; Purple Heart recipients; disabilities rated 10% or 20%; discharge for line-of-duty disability | Guaranteed access, low copays |
| Group 4 | Receiving VA aid and attendance or housebound benefits; catastrophically disabled | Free VA health care regardless of income |
| Group 5 | Nonservice-connected Veterans and 0% service-connected Veterans with income below VA thresholds | Income-based enrollment, reduced copays |
| Group 6 | Vietnam Veterans (Jan. 9, 1962–May 7, 1975); Southwest Asia (Aug. 2, 1990–Nov. 11, 1998); 5 years post-discharge for post-Jan. 28, 2003; Camp Lejeune (30+ days, Aug. 1, 1953–Dec. 31, 1987) | Special authority eligibility |
| Group 7 | Income below Geographic Means Test (GMT) thresholds; agrees to pay copays | Income-based enrollment |
| Group 8 | Gross household income above VA national and geographic thresholds; agrees to pay copays | Lowest priority, highest copays |
Source: VA priority group definitions.
How Income Affects Your Priority Group
The VA uses a means test to determine whether you can afford to pay for care. This test weighs gross household income, net worth, and geography. Veterans whose income is below the VA national income threshold for their family size may be assigned to Priority Group 5. Those with income below the Geographic Means Test (GMT) threshold for their ZIP code may qualify for Priority Group 7.
Combat Veteran 5-Year Enrollment
Veterans who served in a combat theater after November 11, 1998, and were discharged on or after January 28, 2003, may qualify for Priority Group 6 for five years after discharge. This gives combat Veterans enhanced access to VA care following separation.
How to Apply for VA Health Care (VA Form 10-10EZ)
The application for VA health care is VA Form 10-10EZ, Application for Health Benefits. You can apply online, by phone, by mail, or in person at any VA medical facility.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Collect these items before you start:
Your DD-214 or other separation documents
Social Security number (and those of your spouse/dependents, if applicable)
Information from your current health insurance card
Medicare and/or Medicaid card, if applicable
Financial information (tax returns, bank statements) if you’re providing income details
Step 2: Complete VA Form 10-10EZ
Fill out the application online at VA.gov. The form takes about 30 minutes to complete. You can also download the PDF form and mail it, call 877-222-8387 to apply by phone, or visit your nearest VA medical facility to apply in person.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Online applications are processed fastest. If you apply by mail, send your completed form to the address listed on the VA website. If you apply in person, the enrollment specialist can process your application on the spot.
Step 4: Wait for Your Decision Letter
VA will mail you a decision letter. Online applications must be processed within 5 business days of submission. You should receive your decision letter within 1–2 weeks for most online applications.
Step 5: Schedule Your First Appointment
Once enrolled, you’ll receive a welcome call and a personalized benefits handbook. If you requested an appointment on your application, VA will mail you the details. You can also call your nearest VA medical center to schedule.
How to Apply for VA Health Care
| Application Method | How It Works | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Apply at VA.gov | Fastest; processed within 5 business days |
| Phone | Call 877-222-8387 | Application taken by phone, processed within 5 business days |
| Download and mail VA Form 10-10EZ | Processed within 5 business days of receipt | |
| In Person | Visit any VA medical facility | Processed immediately during face-to-face encounter |
Required Documents for VA Health Care Enrollment
To complete your application efficiently, gather these documents:
DD-214 or separation documents (DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)
Social Security card (and SSNs for spouse and dependents, if applicable)
Health insurance cards (private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid)
Financial information (prior year tax return, bank statements, out-of-pocket medical expenses) if you’re providing income details
Power of Attorney documents if someone is applying on your behalf
What Happens If You Don’t Have Your DD-214
If you don’t have your DD-214, you can request it from the National Archives or through eVetRecs. VA enrollment specialists can often work with you to verify your service another way, but having your DD-214 speeds up the process.
VA Health Care Costs and Copayments
VA health care is not free for all Veterans. Your copays depend on your priority group and the type of care you receive.
Urgent Care Copays (2026)
| Priority Group | First 3 Visits Per Year | Each Additional Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Groups 1–5 | $0 | $30 |
| Group 6 | $0 if related to special-authority condition; otherwise $30 | $30 |
| Groups 7–8 | $30 | $30 |
Source: VA urgent care copay rates effective January 1, 2026.
Other Copays
Primary care visit:Â Varies by priority group
Specialty care visit:Â Varies by priority group
Inpatient care:Â Copay applies for some priority groups
Prescriptions: $5–$11 per 30-day supply, depending on priority group and medication tier
Free Care for Certain Veterans
Veterans in Priority Groups 1–3 receive free VA care for service-connected conditions. Catastrophically disabled Veterans in Priority Group 4 receive free VA health care regardless of income.
VA Community Care and Urgent Care
If VA can’t provide the care you need at a VA facility, you may be eligible for care in the community through the Veterans Community Care Program, created by the VA MISSION Act of 2018.
Six Eligibility Criteria for Community Care
You may qualify for community care if any of these apply:
You need a service that VA doesn’t provide at any VA health facility
You live in a state without a full-service VA medical facility
You qualified under the 40-mile distance rule as of June 6, 2018
You’re more than a 30-minute drive from primary or mental health care, or more than a 60-minute drive from specialty care
You must wait more than 20 days for a primary care appointment or more than 28 days for specialty care
It’s in your best medical interest, as determined by your VA provider
How to Use VA Urgent Care
VA partners with over 4,000 urgent care locations nationwide. You can use urgent care for non-life-threatening conditions like colds, minor injuries, and infections. Care is available at no cost for the first three visits per calendar year for Veterans in Priority Groups 1–5.
Important:Â Do not use urgent care for life-threatening emergencies. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Enrolling
Mistake 1: Waiting until you need care to enroll. Enrollment can take 1–2 weeks. Apply before you need care so you’re already in the system.
Mistake 2: Not including financial information. If you skip the financial section, you may be placed in a lower priority group or face higher copays.
Mistake 3: Assuming you’re not eligible because of income. Even Veterans with income above VA thresholds may qualify for Priority Group 7 or 8 enrollment.
Mistake 4: Not updating your information. If your income, address, or dependent status changes, submit VA Form 10-10EZR to update your enrollment record.
Mistake 5: Missing the 72-hour emergency notification. If you receive emergency care at a non-VA facility, call 844-698-2311 within 72 hours to start the reimbursement process.
Appeals Process for Enrollment Decisions
If VA denies your enrollment application, you have the right to appeal. The decision letter will explain the reason for denial and the appeal options.
How to Appeal an Enrollment Decision
Review your decision letter. It will state whether you were denied enrollment or assigned to a lower priority group than expected.
Gather supporting evidence. This may include updated income information, additional service records, or medical evidence.
Submit a Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995)Â or request a Higher-Level Review (VA Form 20-0996).
Wait for the decision. Appeals can take several months, depending on the complexity of your case.
If you believe your circumstances have changed—such as a new disability rating or reduced income—you can reapply for enrollment at any time.
State Differences in VA Health Care
VA health care is a federal program, so eligibility rules are the same nationwide. However, the availability of facilities and services varies by state and region.
Some states have multiple full-service VA medical centers; others have limited VA infrastructure
Veterans in states without a full-service VA facility may qualify for community care
Geographic Means Test (GMT) thresholds vary by ZIP code, which can affect priority group assignment
The PACT Act expanded eligibility nationally, but some states have additional Veterans benefits programs
To check what’s available in your area, use the VA Facility Locator or contact your state’s Department of Veterans Affairs office.
Latest Rule Changes (2026)
PACT Act expansion (2024–2026): All Veterans exposed to toxins during service—at home or abroad—are now eligible to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits. This expansion was implemented years ahead of schedule.
Urgent care copay update (January 1, 2026): Priority Groups 1–5 pay $0 for the first three urgent care visits per calendar year, then $30 per visit. Groups 7–8 pay $30 per visit from the first visit.
Income threshold updates (2026):Â VA updated its income-limit tool for 2026. Veterans can check where they stand based on ZIP code and dependents.
Common Questions
1. How do I find a VA hospital near me?
Use the VA Facility Locator at va.gov/find-locations. Enter your city, state, or ZIP code, then filter by facility type. The tool shows addresses, phone numbers, hours, and services. You can also call MyVA411 at 800-698-2411 for help.
2. Can I go to any VA hospital?
You can receive care at any VA medical facility, but your primary care is usually assigned to the facility closest to your home. For specialty care, VA may refer you to another facility or to community care if the service isn’t available locally.
3. What are VA hospital visiting hours?
Visiting hours vary by facility. Most VA medical centers allow visitors during daytime and early evening hours. Check your specific facility’s page or call ahead. Emergency departments are open 24/7.
4. How long does it take to enroll in VA health care?
Online applications must be processed within 5 business days. Most Veterans receive their decision letter within 1–2 weeks. In-person applications at a VA facility can be processed the same day.
5. Do I need a DD-214 to enroll in VA health care?
You should provide your DD-214 or separation documents, but it’s not always required for enrollment. VA can often verify your service through other records. Having your DD-214 speeds up the process.
6. Can I use VA health care if I have private insurance?
Yes. You can use VA health care even if you have private insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. VA is not a health insurance plan—it’s a direct care system. Your private insurance may be billed for care related to non-service-connected conditions.
7. What if I can’t afford VA copays?
If your income is below VA thresholds, you may qualify for reduced or no copays. Veterans in Priority Groups 1–5 pay no copays for many services. If you’re experiencing financial hardship, talk to your VA enrollment coordinator.
8. How do I update my income or address after enrolling?
Submit VA Form 10-10EZR, Health Benefits Renewal Form. You can submit it online, by mail, or in person at your VA medical facility. You should update your information whenever your income, address, or dependent status changes.
9. What is the PACT Act and how does it affect my enrollment?
The PACT Act expanded VA health care eligibility to all Veterans exposed to toxins during service, including those who never deployed but were exposed during training. If you served in a location or role with toxic exposure, you may be eligible to enroll directly.
10. Can my family use VA health care?
VA health care is primarily for Veterans. Family members may qualify for certain benefits through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) if they meet specific criteria, such as being the spouse or child of a Veteran with a permanent and total service-connected disability.
Key Takeaways
Find VA hospitals and clinics near you using the VA Facility Locator at va.gov/find-locations.
VA medical centers offer emergency care 24/7; primary care and urgent care have limited hours.
Enroll using VA Form 10-10EZ online, by phone (877-222-8387), by mail, or in person.
Online applications are processed within 5 business days; decision letters arrive within 1–2 weeks.
You may qualify for VA health care even without 24 months of service if you meet certain exceptions.
The PACT Act expanded eligibility to all Veterans exposed to toxins during service.
Priority Groups 1–3 receive free care for service-connected conditions.
Veterans in Priority Groups 1–5 pay $0 for the first three urgent care visits per year.
You can use community care if VA can’t provide the care you need within certain time or distance standards.
Update your information with VA Form 10-10EZR when your income or family status changes.
Official Resources
VA Health Care Enrollment:Â https://www.va.gov/health-care/apply/
VA Facility Locator:Â https://www.va.gov/find-locations/
VA Form 10-10EZ:Â https://www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/1010EZ-fillable.pdf
MyVA411 Information Line:Â 800-698-2411
VA Health Benefits Hotline:Â 877-222-8387
VA Urgent Care:Â https://www.va.gov/communitycare/urgent-care/
VA Priority Groups:Â https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/priority-groups/
VA Community Care:Â https://www.va.gov/communitycare/
Veterans Crisis Line:Â Dial 988, then press 1
🇺🇸 IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER – Veterans Benefits Information
This site provides general information about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits for educational and informational purposes only.
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📌 Information provided as of June 2026. Always verify current eligibility and rules with official .gov sources.
This site is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. All information is for educational purposes only. Please visit VA.gov for official information.
