What Is the East Orange VA?
The East Orange VA is a 34-acre tertiary care medical center located at 385 Tremont Avenue, East Orange, NJ 07018. It is the primary hospital campus of the VA New Jersey Health Care System, which also includes the Lyons VA Medical Center and 9 community-based outpatient clinics. The East Orange campus provides 24/7 emergency services, primary care, specialty care, mental health treatment, and research programs for veterans across northern New Jersey.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | Comprehensive VA health care, including primary, specialty, and emergency services |
| Eligibility | Veterans enrolled in VA health care (priority groups 1–8) |
| Application | VA Form 10-10EZ online, by phone, or in person |
| Processing Time | Enrollment decisions typically within 1–2 weeks |
| Official Agency | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — VA New Jersey Health Care System |
| Required Forms | VA Form 10-10EZ (Application for Health Benefits) |
| Address | 385 Tremont Avenue, East Orange, NJ 07018-1023 |
| Main Phone | 973-676-1000 |
| Updated For | 2026 |
East Orange VA Medical Center Services
The East Orange VA Medical Center provides a full range of inpatient and outpatient health services. The facility is a general medicine and surgery teaching hospital with state-of-the-art technology and active research programs.
Primary and Specialty Care
The hospital offers primary care and specialty health services including dermatology, dental care, gastroenterology, cardiology, ophthalmology, optometry, neurology, oncology, orthopedics, and more. Audiology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy are also available on campus.
Mental Health Care
Mental health services at East Orange VA include treatment for addiction, depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and OCD. The facility provides individual and group psychotherapy, psychiatric care, and substance use disorder treatment. The East Orange campus is also the site of one of three VA War-Related Illness and Injury Study Centers.
Women’s Health
The East Orange VA Women Veterans Health Center provides comprehensive care including obstetrics, gynecology, and primary care for women veterans. Staff includes women’s health nurse practitioners and OB/GYN physicians. Mobile mammogram screenings are periodically offered in partnership with University Hospital.
Dental Care
Dental services are available at the East Orange campus for veterans who qualify under VA dental eligibility rules. The VA provides dental care to veterans with service-connected dental disabilities, former prisoners of war, and those with 100% disability ratings.
Pharmacy Services
The East Orange VA Outpatient Pharmacy is located on A-Level and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. Prescription refills can be requested by phone at 800-480-5590. Meds by Mail is also available for maintenance medications.
Emergency and Urgent Care
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityThe East Orange VA Medical Center operates a 24/7 emergency department. Veterans should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for life-threatening conditions. For urgent but non-emergency needs, an advice nurse is available to help determine whether an urgent or routine appointment is needed.
How to Enroll in VA Health Care at East Orange
Before you can receive care at the East Orange VA, you must be enrolled in VA health care and registered as a patient. Veterans who have never applied for VA health care must complete VA Form 10-10EZ, Application for Health Care Benefits.
Enrollment Steps
Complete VA Form 10-10EZ. Apply online through VA.gov, by phone at 1-877-222-8387, or by mail.
Gather supporting documents. You will need your DD-214 or discharge documents, any VA disability award letters, income information from the previous calendar year (if you have a 0% VA disability rating), and current ID cards for other health coverage.
Submit your application. Bring your completed application to the patient registration office at East Orange VA Medical Center, 385 Tremont Avenue, or mail it to the address provided on the form.
Receive your enrollment decision. The VA will notify you of your enrollment status and priority group assignment.
Register as a patient. Once enrolled, contact the East Orange VA patient registration office to establish a primary care provider.
What to Bring to Registration
DD-214 or other discharge documents
VA disability award letters
Income information from the previous calendar year
Current ID cards for Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, or private insurance
How to Make an Appointment at East Orange VA
You can make a primary care appointment online or by phone once you are enrolled and registered. The primary care call center for East Orange VA Medical Center is available toll-free at 800-315-7909.
Appointment Phone Numbers
| Service | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| Primary Care Call Center (East Orange) | 800-315-7909 |
| Mental Health Appointments | 973-676-1000, ext. 1421 |
| Drug/Alcohol Evaluation | 973-676-1000, ext. 1421 |
| Pharmacy Refills | 800-480-5590 |
| Main Hospital | 973-676-1000 |
Mental Health Appointments
Mental health appointments at East Orange VA can be scheduled by calling 973-676-1000, ext. 1421, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET.
Veterans Crisis Line
Veterans in crisis can connect with the Veterans Crisis Line 24/7 by calling 988 (then press 1), texting 838255, or starting a confidential chat online.
East Orange VA Wait Times
Wait times at East Orange VA vary by service. The most recent data shows the following average wait times for new and established patients:
| Service | New Patient Wait | Established Patient Wait |
|---|---|---|
| Audiology | 4 days | 49 days |
| Cardiology | 45 days | 113 days |
| Dental | 51 days | 70 days |
| Dermatology | 7 days | 65 days |
| Endocrinology | 6 days | 26 days |
| Gastroenterology | 37 days | 91 days |
| Mental Health (Individual) | 13 days | 18 days |
| Neurology | 6 days | 57 days |
| OB/GYN | 3 days | 28 days |
| Oncology | 2 days | 28 days |
| Ophthalmology | 22 days | 14 days |
| Optometry | 13 days | 49 days |
| Orthopedics | 12 days | 68 days |
Access and Trust Scores
According to VA survey data, 81% of veterans reported they could get a routine primary care appointment as soon as needed, and 85% could get routine specialty care appointments as soon as needed. The overall trust score for the facility is 93.8%.
VA New Jersey Health Care System Locations
The VA New Jersey Health Care System operates 11 locations across the state, including two hospitals and 9 community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs).
| Location | Address | Type |
|---|---|---|
| East Orange VA Medical Center | 385 Tremont Avenue, East Orange, NJ 07018 | Hospital |
| Lyons VA Medical Center | 151 Knollcroft Road, Lyons, NJ 07939 | Hospital |
| Hackensack CBOC | Hackensack, NJ | Clinic |
| Hamilton CBOC | Hamilton, NJ | Clinic |
| Jersey City CBOC | 115 Christopher Columbus Drive, Suite 201, Jersey City, NJ 07302 | Clinic |
| Morristown CBOC | Morristown, NJ | Clinic |
| Newark CBOC | Newark, NJ | Clinic |
| Paterson CBOC | Paterson, NJ | Clinic |
| Piscataway CBOC | Piscataway, NJ | Clinic |
| Sussex CBOC | Sussex, NJ | Clinic |
| Tinton Falls CBOC | Tinton Falls, NJ | Clinic |
| Toms River CBOC | 1055 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, NJ 08753 | Clinic |
Parking and Transportation at East Orange VA
Parking at the VA New Jersey Health Care System Medical Center is free for all veterans, visitors, and staff. Handicap parking spaces are clearly marked for vehicles with a VA handicap hangtag or state-issued placard.
Shuttle Services
A free shuttle service runs continuously Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, between parking areas and the East Orange campus. A separate shuttle connects the East Orange and Lyons campuses Monday through Friday with departures at 7:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m., and 4:30 p.m..
Beneficiary Travel
Beneficiary travel benefits include round-trip transportation from your home to the medical center, mileage reimbursement, or special mode transport for veterans traveling to VA facilities. The Beneficiary Travel Office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding federal holidays.
Union County Paratransit
Union County operates wheelchair-equipped paratransit transportation to the VA Healthcare System at both Lyons and East Orange campuses. Transportation to East Orange is available through the Union County Paratransit system.
Additional Services at East Orange VA
Veterans Food Pantry
The VA East Orange Veterans Food Pantry is open every fourth Monday of the month, except for holidays. The pantry provides nutritional support to veterans experiencing food insecurity.
Nutrition Programs
Free virtual Mediterranean Diet classes are offered every second Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET. Registered Dietitian Nutritionists guide veterans through sessions designed to optimize wellness through nutrition at no cost to VA-enrolled veterans.
Homeless Veteran Programs
The Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) program connects homeless and at-risk veterans with housing solutions, health care, community employment services, and other required supports. Services include substance use treatment, co-occurring disorder treatment, detoxification, intensive outpatient care, residential care, telehealth, medication-assisted treatment, and homeless outreach.
LGBT Veteran Care
The VA New Jersey Health Care System provides an open, supportive, and safe environment to meet the needs of LGBT veterans and their families at both the East Orange and Lyons campuses.
Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Services
Individual and group psychotherapy for military sexual trauma is available at both the East Orange and Lyons facilities. The VA NJ Healthcare System provides services for anyone experiencing the after-effects of sexual harassment or assault that occurred during military service.
East Orange VA Research and Teaching
The East Orange VA Medical Center is a teaching hospital affiliated with Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Saint Joseph’s University Hospital, Hoboken University Hospital, and Seton Hall School of Health and Medical Services.
The VA New Jersey Healthcare System has more than 200 active research programs. Major research areas include infectious disease, hypertension, diabetes, schizophrenia, blood disorders, surgery, oncology, PTSD, and suicide prevention. The facility was the first VA research program awarded full accreditation from the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs.
The East Orange campus maintains one of two new research centers studying how to care for active-duty patients and veterans with war-related illnesses.
History of East Orange VA Medical Center
The East Orange VA Medical Center opened in July 1952 as a 1,000-bed general medical and surgical hospital. The 34-acre facility is situated on a knoll 228 feet above sea level, with grounds spanning four municipalities: Orange, East Orange, South Orange, and Newark. In 1996, the Lyons and East Orange facilities consolidated under a single leadership and became the VA New Jersey Healthcare System.
In 1994, East Orange became one of three VA hospitals selected to study the effects of environmental hazards on veterans of the Persian Gulf War. The campus remains the site of one of three VA War-Related Illness and Injury Study Centers.
New Jersey State Benefits for Veterans
New Jersey offers state-level benefits that complement VA health care and other federal programs. These are administered by the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
Veterans Property Tax Deduction
New Jersey provides an annual $250 property tax deduction for veterans who served during specific wartime periods. Surviving spouses of qualified veterans may also claim this deduction.
Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption
Veterans who are totally disabled (100% service-connected) may qualify for a full property tax exemption on their primary residence. Surviving spouses receive the same benefit.
Gross Income Tax Deduction
New Jersey offers a gross income tax deduction for veterans, currently $6,000, with pending legislation to increase it to $9,000 and index it for inflation beginning in tax year 2026.
Home Purchase Grant Program
A pending bill (S3652) would create a home purchase grant program in the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency for veterans who served on federal active duty. The program would provide matching grants up to a maximum of $10,000.
Common Mistakes Veterans Make with East Orange VA
Waiting until you are sick to enroll. Enrollment in VA health care can take 1–2 weeks. Apply before you need care so you are already registered.
Not bringing your DD-214 to registration. The DD-214 is required to verify your eligibility and priority group. Bring copies of all discharge documents.
Forgetting to add dependents to your VA record. If you have dependents, adding them to your VA record can affect your priority group and cost of care.
Missing the food pantry schedule. The East Orange Veterans Food Pantry is only open the fourth Monday of each month. Mark your calendar.
Not using beneficiary travel benefits. Many veterans do not know they can receive mileage reimbursement or transportation assistance to VA appointments.
Assuming all CBOCs offer the same services. The East Orange campus offers comprehensive specialty care. CBOCs provide primary care and limited specialty services. You may need a referral to East Orange for certain treatments.
Common Questions
What is the East Orange VA Medical Center address and phone number?
The East Orange VA Medical Center is located at 385 Tremont Avenue, East Orange, NJ 07018. The main phone number is 973-676-1000. The primary care call center is 800-315-7909.
How do I enroll in VA health care at East Orange?
Complete VA Form 10-10EZ online at VA.gov, by phone, or by mail. Bring your DD-214, VA disability award letters, income information, and current insurance cards to the patient registration office at 385 Tremont Avenue.
Does East Orange VA have an emergency room?
Yes. The East Orange VA Medical Center operates a 24/7 emergency department. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. An advice nurse is available for urgent non-emergency questions.
How do I make an appointment at East Orange VA?
Primary care appointments can be made online or by calling 800-315-7909. Mental health appointments are scheduled by calling 973-676-1000, ext. 1421, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET.
What mental health services are available at East Orange VA?
East Orange VA provides treatment for PTSD, depression, anxiety, addiction, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and OCD. Individual and group psychotherapy, psychiatric care, and substance use disorder treatment are available.
Is dental care available at East Orange VA?
Yes, for veterans who qualify under VA dental eligibility rules. Dental care is provided to veterans with service-connected dental disabilities, former prisoners of war, and those with 100% disability ratings.
Does East Orange VA have a women’s health center?
Yes. The East Orange VA Women Veterans Health Center provides obstetrics, gynecology, and primary care for women veterans. Mobile mammogram screenings are periodically offered in partnership with University Hospital.
What is the shuttle schedule between East Orange and Lyons?
The shuttle runs Monday through Friday with departures from East Orange at 7:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m., and 4:30 p.m. A shuttle pass is required, and all passengers must be screened before riding.
Does East Orange VA have a food pantry?
Yes. The VA East Orange Veterans Food Pantry is open every fourth Monday of the month, except for holidays.
What benefits do New Jersey veterans receive?
New Jersey offers a $250 property tax deduction for wartime veterans, a full property tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans, and a gross income tax deduction. Pending legislation would increase the income tax deduction and create a home purchase grant program.
Key Takeaways
The East Orange VA Medical Center is a 34-acre tertiary care hospital at 385 Tremont Avenue, East Orange, NJ 07018, with the main phone number 973-676-1000.
It is the primary campus of the VA New Jersey Health Care System, which operates 11 locations across the state.
The facility provides 24/7 emergency services, primary care, specialty care, mental health treatment, dental care, and women’s health services.
Enrollment requires VA Form 10-10EZ and supporting documents including your DD-214 and income information.
Primary care appointments can be scheduled by calling 800-315-7909; mental health appointments at 973-676-1000, ext. 1421.
Average wait times range from 2 days for oncology new patients to 113 days for established cardiology patients.
Free parking and shuttle services are available, including a free shuttle between the East Orange and Lyons campuses.
The East Orange VA is a teaching hospital affiliated with Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and conducts more than 200 research programs.
New Jersey offers a $250 property tax deduction for wartime veterans and a full exemption for 100% disabled veterans.
The Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7 by calling 988 (press 1), texting 838255, or chatting online.
Official Resources
East Orange VA Medical Center: VA.gov — East Orange VA
VA New Jersey Health Care System: VA.gov — New Jersey Health Care
VA Form 10-10EZ: VA.gov — Apply for Health Care
Veterans Crisis Line: VeteransCrisisLine.net | Call 988 (press 1) | Text 838255
New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs:Â nj.gov/military
VA New Jersey Health Care System Events:Â njdmava.gov
VA Facility Quality and Safety Ratings: Access to Care — VA.gov
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📌 Information provided as of June 2026. Always verify current eligibility and rules with official .gov sources.
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