Complete Guide to VA Services in Bakersfield, CA

Veterans Affairs Office in Bakersfield, CA: Hours, Location, and Services

The Bakersfield VA Clinic is located at 1801 Westwind Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93301. It is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The main phone number is 661-632-1800. Services include primary care, mental health, vision care, nutrition counseling, and foot care.

Quick Facts

Bakersfield VA Clinic

Location and Contact Information

The Bakersfield VA Clinic is a Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) operated by the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. It provides primary care and specialty health services for veterans in Kern County.

Address:
1801 Westwind Drive
Bakersfield, CA 93301-3028

Phone Numbers:

• Main Phone: 661-632-1800

• VA Health Connect: Available through the main line

• Mental Health Care: Available through the main line

Hours of Operation:

Hours may vary for different services. Contact the clinic directly to confirm hours for specific services.

Services Offered at Bakersfield VA Clinic

The Bakersfield VA Clinic offers a wide range of health services for eligible veterans.

Primary Care Services:

• Routine physical exams

• Preventive care

• Management of chronic conditions

• Health screenings

• Immunizations

Mental Health Services:

• Individual therapy

• Group therapy

• Psychiatry

• Clinical psychology

• Substance use counseling

• PTSD treatment

Specialty Services:

• Optometry (vision care)

• Audiology

• Nutrition counseling

• Foot care (podiatry)

• Physical therapy

• Laboratory services

• Pharmacy services

Women Veterans Health Care:

• Comprehensive primary care for women

• Gynecological services

• Breast cancer screening

• Mental health services

Adaptive Sports Program:
The Bakersfield VA Clinic offers adaptive sports programs to help disabled veterans live active and healthy lives through recreation and athletics. Programs include:

• National Veterans Wheelchair Games

• National Veterans Golden Age Games

• National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic

• National Disabled Veterans Golf Clinic

• National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic

• Summer Surf Camps

How to Enroll for VA Healthcare in Bakersfield

You must be enrolled in VA healthcare before you can make appointments and receive care at the Bakersfield VA Clinic.

Eligibility for VA Healthcare:

You may qualify for VA healthcare if you:

• Served in the active military, naval, or air service

• Were separated under any condition other than dishonorable

• Are a current or former member of the Reserves or National Guard who was called to active duty (other than for training only) by a federal order and completed the full period for which you were called or ordered to active duty

How to Apply:

Option 1: Apply Online
Complete VA Form 10-10EZ (Application for Health Benefits) at VA.gov/health-care/apply.

Option 2: Apply by Phone
Call 877-222-8387 (VETS).

Option 3: Apply in Person
Visit the Bakersfield VA Clinic at 1801 Westwind Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93301.

Documents to Bring:

• DD-214 or other discharge documents

• VA disability award letters (if applicable)

• Income information from the previous calendar year (if you have a 0% VA disability rating or are a non-service-connected veteran)

• Current health insurance cards (Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, or private insurance)

• Social Security number

• Direct deposit information

Processing Time:

VA healthcare enrollment processing times vary. You will receive a decision letter after your application is reviewed.

Bakersfield Vet Center

Location and Contact Information

The Bakersfield Vet Center provides confidential counseling and support services in a non-medical setting. You do not need to be enrolled in VA healthcare or have a service-connected disability rating to use Vet Center services.

Address:
1110 Golden State Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301-2416

Phone Number:

• Main Phone: 661-323-8387

• 24/7 Call Center: 877-927-8387

Hours of Operation:

The Vet Center also has non-traditional hours that change periodically based on community needs. Call for more information.

Services Offered at Bakersfield Vet Center

Counseling Services:

• Individual counseling

• Couples and family counseling

• Group counseling

• Grief and bereavement counseling

• PTSD treatment

• Military sexual trauma (MST) counseling

• Depression counseling

• Readjustment counseling

Referral and Support Services:

• Medical referrals

• Assistance in applying for VA benefits

• Employment and career counseling

• Alcohol and drug assessments

• Community education

• Information and referral services

Special Programs:

• Veterans Hiking Club: Meets on the second Thursday of the month from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at a predetermined location.

Who Qualifies:

• Veterans

• Active-duty service members

• National Guard and Reserve members

• Family members of veterans

What to Bring on First Visit:

• Discharge documents (DD-214) or Active Military ID

• Deployment orders

• Receipt of certain awards

• Other documents that show qualifying military service

If you don’t have these documents on hand, the Vet Center can work with you to establish your eligibility.

Transportation:

Public transportation (G.E.T. bus) routes 22 and 43 have stops near the Vet Center. Parking at the Vet Center is free and includes space for disabled parking and wheelchair access.

Kern County Veterans Service Office

Location and Contact Information

The Kern County Veterans Service Office provides free assistance to veterans and their families in obtaining federal, state, and local benefits.

Address:
1120 Golden State Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301

Contact Information:

Hours of Operation:

Phone lines are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Staff:

• Jose Lopez, County Veterans Service Officer

Satellite Offices:

Services Offered at Kern County VSO

County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs) provide the expertise and advocacy that veterans need to optimize access to benefit programs.

What CVSOs Can Help With:

• VA disability compensation claims

• Healthcare enrollment

• Education and training benefits

• State of California veterans’ benefits

• Employment resources

• DD-214 requests

• Survivor benefits

• Appeals and decision reviews

• CalVet Home Loan applications

• College Fee Waiver applications

Los Angeles VA Regional Benefit Office

Location and Contact Information

The Los Angeles VA Regional Benefit Office is the federal benefits administration office that serves veterans in Kern County and surrounding areas.

Address:
11000 Wilshire Blvd., Federal Building
Los Angeles, CA 90024

Phone Numbers:

• Main Phone: 1-800-827-1000

• Information: 310-235-6000

Hours of Operation:

Location Details:

The Los Angeles Regional Office is located in the Wilshire Federal Building, directly across from the Los Angeles National Cemetery. Free parking is available onsite. The visitor lot can be accessed from Sepulveda Boulevard or Veteran Avenue. The nearest bus stop is at the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Veteran Avenue.

Appointments:

Visitors are encouraged to schedule a virtual or in-person appointment using the Visitor Engagement Reporting Application (VERA). VERA is a self-service portal which allows visitors to schedule, reschedule, and cancel appointments.

What to Bring:

• Valid photo ID

• A copy of your discharge or separation papers (DD-214)

• Copies of relevant medical records

• Your Social Security number

• Direct deposit information

• Information about your dependents (dates of birth, Social Security numbers)

Services Offered:

• Disability compensation claims processing

• VA pension

• Education benefits (GI Bill)

• Vocational rehabilitation (VR&E)

• Home loan guaranty

• Insurance claims

• Survivor benefits

• VA accredited representatives

California State Veterans Benefits

California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet)

CalVet strives to ensure California veterans and their families get the state and federal benefits they have earned through military service. CalVet serves the nearly 1.6 million veterans living in the state.

Services:

• CalVet Home Loans

• Veterans Homes of California

• Education benefits

• Employment resources

• Property tax exemptions

• Hunting and fishing licenses

California Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption

California offers a property tax exemption for veterans with a service-connected disability. The exemption is available in two levels.

2026 Exemption Amounts:

Key Details:

• No income limit for the basic exemption

• Income limit for low-income exemption: $81,131 (2026)

• Surviving spouse may be eligible for the exemption

• Exemption amounts are adjusted annually for inflation

How to Apply:

Complete BOE-261-G (Claim for Disabled Veterans’ Property Tax Exemption) and submit it to your county assessor’s office. The form is available from the Kern County Assessor or the California State Board of Equalization.

California College Fee Waiver Program

The California College Fee Waiver Program provides tuition and fee waivers at California public colleges and universities for eligible dependents of veterans.

Who Qualifies:

• Spouses and children of veterans who were killed in action

• Spouses and children of veterans who died from service-related causes

• Spouses and children of veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating

• Children of veterans who are totally disabled

What the Benefit Covers:

• Full tuition and fee waiver at California community colleges

• Full tuition and fee waiver at California State University campuses

• Full tuition and fee waiver at University of California campuses

How to Apply:

Contact the Kern County Veterans Service Office or the college’s veterans office. You will need the veteran’s DD-214 and documentation of the qualifying disability or death.

CalVet Home Loans

CalVet offers home loans with low interest rates and minimal down payments to veterans purchasing a home in California.

Key Benefits:

• Low interest rates

• Minimal or no down payment

• Can combine with federal VA loan benefit

• No monthly private mortgage insurance (PMI)

• No minimum credit score requirement

• Manual underwriting for flexibility

Who Qualifies:

• Must have served on active duty for at least 90 days during wartime or peacetime (excluding training)

• Must have a discharge under honorable conditions

• Must not have a current CalVet Home Loan

• Must be purchasing or refinancing a home in California

How to Apply:

Apply online through the CalVet website.

Veterans Homes of California

The Veterans Homes of California offer affordable long-term care to aged and disabled veterans, as well as their eligible spouses and domestic partners.

Who Qualifies:

• Veterans must be California residents

• Must be at least 55 years old (may be waived for veterans experiencing homelessness or disability)

• Spouses may be admitted with certain restrictions

How to Apply:

Visit the CalVet website for application instructions.

VA Disability Compensation for Bakersfield Veterans

VA Disability Compensation is a tax-free monthly payment for veterans who became sick or injured during military service, or whose existing condition worsened because of service.

2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates (Veteran Alone):

Veterans with dependents receive higher rates. For example, a veteran with a 100% rating and a spouse receives $4,085.43 per month.

Who Qualifies:

• Veterans who served on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training

• Must have an honorable or general discharge

• Must have a condition that began during or was worsened by military service

• National Guard and Reserve members may qualify for conditions that began during active duty for training

How to Apply:

File VA Form 21-526EZ (Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits) with the VA. You can submit this online through VA.gov, by mail, or in person at the Los Angeles VA Regional Office.

PACT Act Benefits for Bakersfield Veterans

The PACT Act of 2022 expanded VA healthcare and disability benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances, including burn pits, Agent Orange, and other hazards.

What the PACT Act Covers:

• Adds more than 20 presumptive conditions for toxic exposure

• Expands VA healthcare eligibility for toxic-exposed veterans

• Requires VA to provide toxic exposure screenings for all enrolled veterans

• Allows veterans to become eligible for VA healthcare up to eight years earlier than previously prescribed

Who Qualifies:

Veterans who served in locations and time periods associated with toxic exposure, including:

• Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, or Guam (Agent Orange)

• Southwest Asia (Gulf War)

• Afghanistan, Iraq, and other post-9/11 locations (burn pits)

Deadline Note:

Veterans who filed PACT Act claims by August 9, 2023 may be eligible for backdated benefits. Claims can still be filed after that date, but they will not be retroactive.

How to Apply:

File a claim online at VA.gov or contact the Kern County Veterans Service Office for assistance.

VA Education Benefits for Bakersfield Veterans

GI Bill Benefits

The GI Bill provides tuition assistance, housing stipends, and other financial support for eligible veterans pursuing higher education, vocational training, or certification programs.

Post-9/11 GI Bill:

• Covers up to 100% of tuition and fees at public schools

• Provides monthly housing allowance

• Includes stipend for books and supplies

• Can transfer benefits to dependents in some cases

Montgomery GI Bill:

• Monthly education benefit for eligible veterans

• Can be used for college, technical school, or apprenticeship programs

Who Qualifies:

• Veterans with at least 90 days of aggregate active-duty service after September 10, 2001

• Veterans discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days of continuous service

How to Apply:

Apply online at VA.gov or complete VA Form 22-1990.

Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)

VR&E services help veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find, and maintain suitable employment.

Services Include:

• Career counseling

• Education and training

• Job placement assistance

• Resume development

• Small business development

Who Qualifies:

• Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of at least 10%

• Veterans with a memorandum rating of 20% or more

• Must have an employment handicap related to the disability

How to Apply:

Apply online at VA.gov or contact the Los Angeles VA Regional Office.

VA Home Loan Benefits in Bakersfield

VA home loans help veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses buy, build, or improve a home with no down payment.

2026 VA Loan Limits for Kern County:

• Kern County conforming loan limit: $832,750

• Veterans with full entitlement may borrow more

Key Benefits:

• No down payment required

• No private mortgage insurance (PMI)

• Competitive interest rates

• Limited closing costs

• Can be reused multiple times

Who Qualifies:

• Veterans with honorable service

• Active-duty service members

• National Guard and Reserve members with qualifying service

• Surviving spouses of veterans who died from service-connected causes

How to Apply:

Get a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) through VA.gov or your lender, then work with a VA-approved lender.

Survivor Benefits for Bakersfield Families

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

DIC is a tax-free monthly payment for surviving spouses, children, and parents of veterans who died from service-connected causes.

2026 DIC Rates:

• Surviving spouse base rate: $1,699.36 per month

• Additional allowances for dependent children

• Higher rates for survivors of veterans who were totally disabled for 8+ years

Who Qualifies:

• Surviving spouse who was married to the veteran for at least 1 year

• Unmarried children under 18 (or under 23 if in school)

• Dependent parents with limited income

How to Apply:

Complete VA Form 21P-534EZ (Application for DIC, Survivors Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits) and submit to the VA.

Survivors Pension

Survivors Pension provides monthly payments to low-income surviving spouses and children of deceased wartime veterans.

Who Qualifies:

• Surviving spouse who was married to the veteran for at least 1 year

• Veteran must have served during a wartime period

• Survivor’s income must be below VA limits

• Net worth must be below VA limits

How to Apply:

Use VA Form 21P-534EZ. The VA will determine whether DIC or Survivors Pension provides the greater benefit.

Transportation for Bakersfield Veterans

Getting to VA appointments can be challenging. Several options exist:

DAV Volunteer Transportation Network:

The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) provides free van rides to VA facilities for veterans who don’t have other transportation options. Individual van schedules vary.

Beneficiary Travel:

Beneficiary travel benefits include round-trip transportation from your home to the medical center, mileage reimbursement, or special mode transport.

Public Transportation:

The Bakersfield Vet Center is accessible via G.E.T. bus routes 22 and 43.

How to Schedule:

Contact the Bakersfield VA Clinic at 661-632-1800 or the Bakersfield Vet Center at 661-323-8387 for transportation assistance.

Common Mistakes That Delay VA Claims

1. Missing the DD-214: Without proof of service, the VA cannot process your claim.

2. Not claiming all conditions: Many veterans only claim their primary condition and miss secondary conditions.

3. Incomplete medical evidence: The VA needs current diagnosis and medical records linking your condition to service.

4. Failing to attend C&P exams: Missing an exam can result in a denial.

5. Not appealing denials: Many veterans give up after a denial when they have options.

6. Missing deadlines: File within one year of a decision to preserve your effective date.

7. Not using a VSO: Veterans who work with VSOs have higher success rates.

8. Providing inaccurate information: Inconsistencies can delay or deny claims.

9. Not keeping contact information updated: The VA may need to reach you.

10. Waiting too long to file: The earlier you file, the earlier your effective date.

VA Appeals Process

If the VA denies your claim or assigns a lower rating than expected, you have options.

Three Decision Review Options:

Important Timeframes:

• File within 1 year of a decision to preserve your effective date

• Supplemental Claims can be filed at any time

• If more than 1 year has passed, your only option is a Supplemental Claim

How to Get Help:

Contact the Kern County Veterans Service Office at 661-868-7300 or the Los Angeles VA Regional Office for free assistance with appeals.

Veterans Crisis Resources

Veterans Crisis Line:

• Call 988 and press 1

• Text 838255

• Chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net

Bakersfield Vet Center:

• 1110 Golden State Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301

• 877-927-8387 (24/7)

Common Questions

1. What is the address of the Bakersfield VA Clinic?

The Bakersfield VA Clinic is located at 1801 Westwind Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93301-3028. The main phone number is 661-632-1800.

2. What are the hours of the Bakersfield VA Clinic?

The clinic is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is closed Saturday and Sunday. Hours may vary for different services.

3. How do I contact the Bakersfield Vet Center?

Call 661-323-8387. The Vet Center is at 1110 Golden State Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301-2416. The 24/7 call center number is 877-927-8387.

4. How do I contact the Kern County Veterans Service Office?

Call 661-868-7300 or toll-free at 866-218-5367. The office is at 1120 Golden State Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301. Email: kernvets@kerncounty.com.

5. How do I apply for VA healthcare in Bakersfield?

Complete VA Form 10-10EZ online at VA.gov, by phone at 877-222-8387, or in person at the Bakersfield VA Clinic. Bring your DD-214 and income information.

6. What is the VA disability rate for 2026?

For a veteran alone, rates range from $180.42 per month (10% rating) to $3,291.06 per month (100% rating). Rates increase with dependents.

7. Does California offer property tax relief for disabled veterans?

Yes. California offers a property tax exemption of $180,671 (basic) or $271,009 (low-income) for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating.

8. What is the PACT Act and how does it help Bakersfield veterans?

The PACT Act expanded VA healthcare and disability benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. It added more than 20 presumptive conditions.

9. Can I get free transportation to VA appointments in Bakersfield?

Yes. The DAV provides free van rides, and beneficiary travel benefits include mileage reimbursement. Contact the Bakersfield VA Clinic for details.

10. How do I appeal a VA decision?

You can file a Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995) with new evidence, request a Higher-Level Review (VA Form 20-0996), or appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (VA Form 10182).

11. What is the VA home loan limit in Kern County for 2026?

The conforming loan limit for Kern County is $832,750. Veterans with full entitlement may borrow more.

12. Who is eligible for DIC survivor benefits?

Surviving spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents of veterans who died from service-connected causes may qualify for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation.

13. What education benefits are available for California veterans’ dependents?

The California College Fee Waiver program provides tuition waivers at California public colleges and universities for dependents of veterans who were killed in action, died from service-related causes, or have a 100% disability rating.

14. What is the CalVet Home Loan program?

CalVet offers home loans with low interest rates and minimal down payments to veterans purchasing a home in California. It can be combined with federal VA loan benefits.

15. What is the Veterans Crisis Line number?

Call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net.

Key Takeaways

• Bakersfield VA Clinic provides primary care, mental health, and specialty services at 1801 Westwind Drive. Call 661-632-1800.

• Bakersfield Vet Center offers free, confidential counseling at 1110 Golden State Avenue. Call 661-323-8387.

• Kern County Veterans Service Office provides free help with claims and benefits. Call 661-868-7300.

• Los Angeles VA Regional Office handles disability claims and benefits. Call 1-800-827-1000.

• VA disability compensation ranges from $180.42 to $3,291.06 per month for veterans alone in 2026.

• California property tax exemption for disabled veterans is $180,671 (basic) or $271,009 (low-income).

• California College Fee Waiver provides tuition waivers for dependents of certain veterans.

• CalVet Home Loans offer low interest rates and minimal down payments for California home purchases.

• Appeals options include Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, and Board Appeal.

• Free transportation is available through DAV vans and beneficiary travel benefits.

Official Resources

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: VA.gov

• VA Health Care Enrollment: VA.gov/health-care

• VA Disability Compensation: VA.gov/disability

• VA Education Benefits: VA.gov/education

• VA Home Loans: VA.gov/housing-assistance

• VA Survivor Benefits: VA.gov/family-member-benefits

• California Department of Veterans Affairs: CalVet.ca.gov

• California State Board of Equalization: BOE.ca.gov

• Social Security Administration: SSA.gov

• Medicare: Medicare.gov

• Medicaid: Medicaid.gov

• USA.gov: USA.gov

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