Lake Nona VA Hospital: Complete Guide to the Orlando VA Medical Center (2026)
The Lake Nona VA Hospital is the Orlando VA Medical Center, located at 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, FL 32827. It is a 65-acre, 134-bed tertiary care facility providing inpatient, outpatient, emergency, and specialty care to more than 120,000 Veterans in Central Florida. The emergency department is open 24/7.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | Inpatient, outpatient, emergency, surgical, mental health, and specialty care |
| Eligibility | Veterans enrolled in VA health care; eligibility varies by service history and disability rating |
| Application | VA Form 10-10EZ online, by phone, or in person at Lake Nona first floor |
| Processing Time | Enrollment decisions typically within 7–10 business days |
| Official Agency | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — Orlando VA Healthcare System |
| Required Forms | VA Form 10-10EZ, DD-214, VA disability award letters, income information |
| Updated For | October 2026 |
What Is the Lake Nona VA Hospital?
The Lake Nona VA Hospital is the flagship medical center of the Orlando VA Healthcare System (OVAHCS). It opened in February 2015 as Central Florida’s only VA-based inpatient hospital and urgent care facility. The campus sits within the 650-acre Lake Nona Medical City, a health and life sciences park in southeast Orange County.
The facility serves more than 110,000 Veterans across Central Florida and is one of seven medical centers in the VA Sunshine Healthcare Network (VISN 8). It was designated a Level 1a tertiary care facility in 2021, meaning it provides the most complex levels of care available in the VA system.
Why it matters:Â For Veterans in Orlando, Kissimmee, St. Cloud, and surrounding communities, Lake Nona is the primary access point for VA hospital care. It eliminates the need to travel to Tampa or Gainesville for most specialty services.
What Veterans should do next: If you are not yet enrolled in VA health care, apply online at VA.gov or visit the Lake Nona enrollment office on the first floor.
Services Offered at Lake Nona VA Hospital
The Lake Nona VA Hospital provides a comprehensive range of medical, surgical, and mental health services. The campus includes 134 acute inpatient beds, a 120-bed Community Living Center, and a 60-bed Residential Rehabilitation Program (Domiciliary).
Inpatient and Surgical Care
The hospital includes eight state-of-the-art operating rooms, a cardiac catheterization laboratory, an electrophysiology lab, and a hybrid operating room that brings imaging technology into the surgical suite. Services include:
Complex medical and surgical care
Cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology
Radiation oncology with two linear accelerators
Advanced diagnostic imaging: two MRIs, two PET/CT scanners, three CT scanners
Emergency Care
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityThe Lake Nona VA Emergency Department is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. No appointment is required. The emergency department treats serious, life-threatening conditions such as severe chest pain, seizures, heavy uncontrollable bleeding, and moderate to severe burns.
Important: In a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room — VA or non-VA. VA covers emergency care at non-VA facilities under specific conditions.
Mental Health Services
The Orlando VA Healthcare System offers inpatient and outpatient mental health care at Lake Nona, including individual therapy, psychiatric care, and specialized programs. In 2023, the system launched a somatic treatment program for Veterans with mental health disorders that have been difficult to treat.
The Mental Health Care Line can be reached at 407-631-2050.
Women Veteran Care
The Women’s Health Program at Lake Nona provides comprehensive care including primary care, gynecology, maternity care, childbirth education classes, postpartum support, ultrasounds, mammograms, mental health counseling, and lifestyle wellness services. A Women Veterans Program Manager coordinates services.
Specialty Care
Lake Nona offers a large multispecialty outpatient clinic. Specialties include:
Audiology, dental, and eye clinics
Nephrology, hepatology, hematology, and oncology
Cardiology, chronic pain management, and endocrinology
Neurology, rheumatology, and geriatrics
Prosthetics and rehabilitation
Community Living Center
The 120-bed Community Living Center at Lake Nona provides nursing home-level care, rehabilitation, and palliative services for Veterans who need extended care.
Pharmacy Services
The outpatient pharmacy is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Veterans can pick up new prescriptions in person, refill online, by phone, or by mail. Phone: 407-631-2882.
Who Qualifies for Care at Lake Nona VA Hospital?
You must be enrolled in VA health care to receive care at Lake Nona VA Hospital. VA health care eligibility is based on your service history, discharge status, disability rating, and income.
Eligibility Categories
| Category | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Service-connected disability | Any Veterans with a VA service-connected disability rating (10% or higher) qualify for free care |
| Former POWs | Former prisoners of war qualify regardless of income |
| Purple Heart recipients | Qualify regardless of income |
| Gulf War Veterans | Qualify for enhanced eligibility under the PACT Act |
| Combat Veterans | Qualify for enhanced eligibility for 10 years after discharge |
| Income-based | Veterans with income below VA thresholds may qualify |
| OIF/OEF/OND Veterans | Enhanced eligibility for 10 years after discharge |
What to do next: Apply online at VA.gov, call 1-877-222-8387, or visit the Lake Nona enrollment office on the first floor. Bring your DD-214, VA disability award letters, and income information.
How to Apply for Care at Lake Nona VA Hospital
Applying for VA health care at Lake Nona takes three steps.
Step 1: Complete VA Form 10-10EZ
The Application for Health Care Benefits (VA Form 10-10EZ) is available online at VA.gov, by phone at 1-877-222-8387, or in person at the Lake Nona enrollment office. You can save your application and return to it at any time.
Step 2: Submit Required Documents
To get a faster decision, bring:
DD-214 or other discharge documents
VA disability award letters
Income information from the previous calendar year (if applicable)
Current ID cards for other health coverage (Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, private insurance)
Step 3: Receive Your Enrollment Decision
VA enrollment decisions typically arrive within 7–10 business days. If approved, you will receive a VA health care ID card and can schedule appointments at Lake Nona.
Enrollment Office Location and Hours
Address:Â Lake Nona, First Floor, 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, FL 32827
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
How to Get to Lake Nona VA Hospital
Address
Orlando VA Medical Center at Lake Nona
13800 Veterans Way
Orlando, FL 32827
Driving Directions
From FL-417 North:Â Take Exit 19 for Lake Nona Blvd. Turn left onto Lake Nona Blvd. Continue to the 3rd stop sign and turn left on Veterans Way. Follow signs to the VA Medical Center.
From FL-417 South:Â Take Exit 19 for Lake Nona Blvd. Follow signs to Veterans Way and the VA campus.
Parking
Parking is available in the east and west parking garages, which together provide more than 3,100 spaces. Additional surface parking is available in the south lot near the Emergency Department. Visitors should refrain from parking in the Community Living Center and Domiciliary lots unless visiting those units.
Public Transportation
LYNX bus routes serve the Lake Nona area. Check the LYNX website for current routes and schedules connecting to the medical campus.
Campus Map
A campus map is available at VA.gov/orlando-health-care/locations/orlando-va-medical-center/campus-map[reference:23].
Contact Information for Lake Nona VA Hospital
| Department | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| Main Phone | 407-631-1000 |
| Toll-Free | 800-922-7521 |
| Emergency Department | 407-631-0100 |
| Eye Clinic | 407-631-2000 |
| Dental Clinic | 407-631-3000 |
| Mental Health Care Line | 407-631-2050 |
| Pharmacy (Outpatient) | 407-631-2882 |
| Chaplain Services | 407-631-6034 or 407-631-6033 |
| VA Police Emergency | 407-631-8276 |
| Veterans Crisis Line | 988, then press 1 |
Mailing Address:
Orlando VA Medical Center
13800 Veterans Way
Orlando, FL 32827
Emergency Care vs. Urgent Care at Lake Nona
Understanding the difference between emergency and urgent care prevents unnecessary trips and ensures you get the right level of treatment.
| Type of Care | Conditions Treated | Where to Go | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency | Severe chest pain, seizures, heavy bleeding, burns, difficulty breathing | Lake Nona ER, first floor | 24/7/365 |
| Urgent Care | Colds, flu, minor cuts, ear infections, pink eye | Lake Baldwin VA Clinic or Mission Act-approved community clinics | Varies |
Under the MISSION Act:Â Eligible Veterans can receive urgent care at approved community providers without prior authorization. You must be enrolled in VA health care and have received VA care within the previous 24 months.
Important:Â For non-emergency after-hours care, call the Nurse Advice Line at 407-631-1000 for guidance.
VA Health Care Benefits Explained
VA health care is a federal benefit that provides medical care to eligible Veterans. The VA operates the largest integrated health care system in the United States, serving more than 9 million Veterans.
What VA Health Care Covers
Preventive care and immunizations
Primary care and specialty care
Inpatient hospital care
Emergency care
Mental health and substance use treatment
Prescription medications
Prosthetics and medical equipment
Long-term care (including Community Living Center)
Priority Groups
VA enrolls Veterans into priority groups based on service-connected disability status, income, and other factors. Veterans in higher priority groups typically have lower or no copays.
Cost of VA Care
Most Veterans with service-connected disabilities receive free care. Veterans without service-connected disabilities may have copays for non-service-connected conditions. Copay amounts vary by priority group and income.
PACT Act and Toxic Exposure at Lake Nona
The PACT Act (Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act) expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. The law was signed in 2022 and represents the largest expansion of VA benefits in decades.
What the PACT Act Does
Adds presumptive conditions for toxic exposure
Expands health care eligibility for toxic-exposed Veterans
Provides toxic exposure screenings at VA facilities
PACT Act Services at Lake Nona
The Lake Nona VA Hospital offers PACT Act clinics where Veterans can access outreach services, toxic exposure screenings, and file claims. As of 2023, over 130,000 PACT Act claims have been completed in Florida, granting over $770 million in benefits.
What to do next:Â If you were exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, or other toxins during service, visit the Lake Nona PACT Act clinic or call 407-631-1000 to schedule a toxic exposure screening.
Community Living Center and Domiciliary at Lake Nona
The Lake Nona campus includes two residential programs for Veterans who need extended care or rehabilitation.
Community Living Center (120 beds)
The Community Living Center provides nursing home-level care, including:
Short-term rehabilitation after surgery or hospitalization
Long-term care for Veterans who cannot live independently
Palliative and hospice care
Memory care for Veterans with dementia
Residential Rehabilitation Program / Domiciliary (60 beds)
The Domiciliary provides residential rehabilitation for Veterans addressing:
Substance use disorders
Mental health conditions
Homelessness and housing instability
Employment and life skills training
A second Domiciliary with 58 beds operates at the Lake Baldwin VA Clinic.
Women Veterans Services at Lake Nona
Women are the fastest-growing group in the Veteran population. The Orlando VA Healthcare System provides comprehensive women’s health services at Lake Nona.
Available Services
Primary care
Gynecology
Maternity care, childbirth education, and postpartum support
Ultrasounds and mammograms
Mental health care and counseling
Lifestyle wellness services
Perinatal Veterans Socials for peer support
Women Veterans Program Manager
Theresa Zephirin, LCSW, serves as the Women Veterans Program Manager at VA Orlando health care. Contact the main number at 407-631-1000 to reach the women’s health program.
Common Mistakes Veterans Make When Seeking Care at Lake Nona
Going to the emergency room for non-emergencies. The Lake Nona ER is for life-threatening conditions. For minor illnesses, use urgent care or call the Nurse Advice Line.
Not enrolling in VA health care first. You must be enrolled before you can schedule appointments or receive care.
Forgetting to bring your DD-214. Enrollment goes faster when you have your discharge documents.
Ignoring the PACT Act. If you were exposed to toxins during service, you may qualify for expanded benefits. Ask for a toxic exposure screening.
Not knowing about Mission Act urgent care. Eligible Veterans can use approved community urgent care clinics without prior authorization.
Missing the enrollment office hours. The Lake Nona enrollment office is open Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Plan your visit accordingly.
Not asking for a patient advocate. If you have trouble accessing care or resolving an issue, patient advocates are available to help.
Common Questions
1. What is the Lake Nona VA Hospital?
The Lake Nona VA Hospital is the Orlando VA Medical Center, a 134-bed tertiary care facility at 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, FL 32827. It provides inpatient, outpatient, emergency, surgical, and mental health care to more than 120,000 Veterans in Central Florida.
2. Who can go to the Lake Nona VA Hospital?
Veterans enrolled in VA health care can receive care at Lake Nona. Eligibility is based on service history, discharge status, disability rating, and income. Apply online at VA.gov or at the Lake Nona enrollment office.
3. Does Lake Nona VA Hospital have an emergency room?
Yes. The Lake Nona VA Emergency Department is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. No appointment is required. It treats serious, life-threatening conditions.
4. How do I enroll for care at Lake Nona VA Hospital?
Complete VA Form 10-10EZ online at VA.gov, by phone at 1-877-222-8387, or in person at the Lake Nona enrollment office on the first floor. Bring your DD-214, VA disability award letters, and income information.
5. Where do I park at Lake Nona VA Hospital?
Parking is available in the east and west parking garages with more than 3,100 spaces. Additional surface parking is near the Emergency Department. Avoid parking in Community Living Center and Domiciliary lots unless visiting those units.
6. What mental health services are available at Lake Nona?
Lake Nona offers inpatient and outpatient mental health care, including individual therapy, psychiatric care, addiction treatment, and a somatic treatment program for difficult-to-treat disorders. Call the Mental Health Care Line at 407-631-2050.
7. What is the PACT Act and how does it apply to Lake Nona?
The PACT Act expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxins. Lake Nona offers PACT Act clinics for outreach, toxic exposure screenings, and claims filing.
8. Does Lake Nona VA Hospital serve women Veterans?
Yes. The Women’s Health Program at Lake Nona provides primary care, gynecology, maternity care, ultrasounds, mammograms, mental health counseling, and wellness services.
9. What is the Community Living Center at Lake Nona?
The Community Living Center is a 120-bed facility providing nursing home-level care, rehabilitation, palliative care, and memory care for Veterans who need extended services.
10. How do I contact Lake Nona VA Hospital?
Call 407-631-1000 (local) or 800-922-7521 (toll-free). The mailing address is 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, FL 32827. For emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
11. Can I use urgent care instead of the Lake Nona ER?
Yes, for minor illnesses. Under the MISSION Act, eligible Veterans can use approved community urgent care clinics without prior authorization. You must be enrolled in VA health care and have received VA care within the previous 24 months.
12. What specialty care is available at Lake Nona?
Specialties include cardiology, oncology, nephrology, neurology, rheumatology, endocrinology, audiology, dental, eye care, prosthetics, and geriatrics.
Key Takeaways
Lake Nona VA Hospital is the Orlando VA Medical Center, a 134-bed tertiary care facility at 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, FL 32827.
Emergency care is available 24/7Â and treats life-threatening conditions. No appointment needed.
You must be enrolled in VA health care to receive care. Apply with VA Form 10-10EZ online, by phone, or in person.
The enrollment office is on the first floor and is open Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
PACT Act clinics offer toxic exposure screenings and claims assistance for Veterans exposed to burn pits or Agent Orange.
Women Veterans receive comprehensive care, including maternity, gynecology, and mental health services.
Community Living Center provides 120 beds for rehabilitation, palliative, and memory care.
Domiciliary program offers 60 beds for residential rehabilitation for substance use, mental health, and homelessness.
Parking is available in two garages with more than 3,100 spaces plus surface parking near the ER.
Mission Act urgent care lets eligible Veterans use approved community clinics for minor illnesses.
Official Resources
Orlando VA Healthcare System:Â VA.gov/orlando-health-care
Register for Care:Â VA.gov/orlando-health-care/register-for-care
Health Services:Â VA.gov/orlando-health-care/health-services
Contact Us:Â VA.gov/orlando-health-care/contact-us
VA Health Care Eligibility:Â VA.gov/health-care/eligibility
PACT Act and Your VA Benefits:Â VA.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits
Veterans Crisis Line:Â Dial 988, then press 1
VA Form 10-10EZ:Â VA.gov/find-forms/about-form-10-10ez
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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.
