Helping Veterans Claim What They Deserve
Veterans who served in active military, naval, or air service and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable can apply for VA healthcare. The PACT Act Expanded Eligibility to all Veterans exposed to toxins or hazards, including those who served in Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, or any combat zone after 9/11 .
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | VA Healthcare – Comprehensive medical benefits package |
| Eligibility | Active-duty service with discharge other than dishonorable |
| Application | Online at VA.gov, by phone (877-222-VETS), or in person |
| Processing Time | Most applications processed within 1 week |
| Official Agency | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VHA) |
| Required Forms | VA Form 10-10EZ (Application for Health Benefits) |
| Updated For | 2026 FY funding ($114.9B discretionary), PACT Act expansion |
VA Healthcare is the medical benefits program for eligible Veterans administered by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). It is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, with more than 1,200 care locations serving nearly 9 million Veterans each year .
What it covers: Preventive care, Inpatient Hospital Services, Urgent and Emergency Care, Mental Health Services, prescriptions, prosthetics, audiology, and more .
Why it matters: VA enrollees have proven better health outcomes than non-enrolled Veterans. VA care is often more affordable than private insurance, and being enrolled meets ACA “minimum essential coverage” requirements .
What to do next: Apply online at VA.gov using VA Form 10-10EZ.
You may be eligible for VA healthcare if you served in active military, naval, or air service and did not receive a dishonorable discharge .
If you enlisted after September 7, 1980, or entered active duty after October 16, 1981, you must have served 24 continuous months or the full period for which you were called to active duty, unless :
You were discharged for a disability caused or worsened by your active-duty service, or
You were discharged for a hardship or “early out,” or
You served prior to September 7, 1980
If you’re a current or former member of the Reserves or National Guard, you must have been called to active duty by federal order and completed the full period. Active-duty status for training purposes does not count .
You may qualify for a higher VA Priority Group if you meet any of these criteria :
Receive VA disability compensation
Discharged for a disability from line of duty
Combat Veteran discharged on or after September 11, 2001
Former prisoner of war (POW)
Purple Heart or Medal of Honor recipient
Medicaid recipient
Exposed to toxins or hazards (including the PACT Act)
Served in Southwest Asia during the Gulf War (August 2, 1990 – November 11, 1998)
Served at Camp Lejeune (August 1, 1953 – December 31, 1987) for at least 30 days
The PACT Act made all Veterans who meet basic service and discharge requirements and who were exposed to toxins or hazards while serving eligible for VA healthcare . This includes all Veterans who served in :
Gulf War
Iraq
Afghanistan
Any combat zone after 9/11
Camp Lejeune (August 1, 1953 – December 31, 1987)
If you don’t qualify based on service-connected disability or toxic exposure, you may still qualify based on your income. Income eligibility is determined by your income, family size, and where you live .
Important: Income is only one factor. Many Veterans who were told “no” before now qualify under the PACT Act .
You can apply online, by phone, or in person .
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Online | Apply at VA.gov. Create an account using Login.gov or ID.me. Most applications processed in a week |
| Phone | Call the Health Eligibility Center at 877-222-VETS (8387), Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. ET |
| In Person | Visit a VA medical center enrollment office. Bring your DD214 and income information |
DD214 or other discharge documents (copies)
VA disability award letters (if you have any)
Income information from the previous calendar year (if you don’t have a service-connected VA rating)
Current ID cards for other health coverage (Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, private insurance)
Check your status online at VA.gov or call the Health Eligibility Center at 877-222-VETS
Receive a decision letter by mail within about a week
Schedule your first primary care appointment once enrolled
Once enrolled, you can request a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) online or through your local VA enrollment office .
All Veterans receive coverage for most care and services, with specific benefits depending on your Priority Group and your primary care provider’s recommendations .
Health exams (including gender-specific exams)
Health education (including nutrition education)
Immunizations (flu shots, etc.)
Genetic disease counseling
Surgeries
Medical treatments
Kidney dialysis
Specialized care (organ transplants, intensive care, traumatic injury care)
Urgent care at VA facilities or contracted urgent care centers (must be enrolled and have received care within past 24 months)
Emergency care at non-VA hospitals under certain conditions
Military sexual trauma (MST) counseling
Depression treatment
Substance use treatment
Assisted living and home health care
Prescriptions (written or approved by VA doctor)
Diagnostic tests (blood work, X-rays, ultrasounds)
Therapy and rehabilitation (physical therapy, vision rehab, TBI therapy)
Prosthetics
Audiology
Radiation oncology
Cosmetic surgery (unless medically necessary)
Gender-affirming surgical interventions
Health club or spa membership
Non-FDA-approved medicines and devices (except in clinical trials or compassionate use)
VA places enrolled Veterans into one of 8 Priority Groups based on factors like service-connected disability, income, and other eligibility criteria . Your Priority Group determines:
What copays you may owe
What additional benefits you qualify for
Most Veterans need to complete a financial assessment when they enroll to determine their Priority Group .
The FY 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act funds VA medical care at $114.9 billion discretionary .
| Area | Funding | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rural Health | $342 million | Expanded access to transportation and telehealth |
| Caregivers | $3.5 billion | $235 million more than President’s budget request |
| Women’s Health | $1.4 billion | $96 million more than request |
| Homelessness Prevention | $3.5 billion | $138 million more than FY2025 |
| Mental Health | $18.9 billion | $2.2 billion more than FY2025; $698 million for suicide prevention outreach |
| Child Care | $21.7 million | Child Care Pilot Program expansion |
Effective February 6, 2026, VA implemented changes increasing the maximum per diem rate for State Home domiciliary care from 115% to 133% (through September 30, 2027). VA may also waive the maximum rate up to 200% for up to 50% of grant recipients in certain circumstances .
“I make too much money.” FACT: Income is considered for some VA benefits, but it’s not the only factor. Even with higher income, you may still qualify .
“I’ve been out of service too long.” FACT: Eligibility is not solely determined by time since separation .
“I never deployed.” FACT: Deployment is not a requirement. Any active-duty service with honorable discharge may qualify .
“I don’t have a service-connected disability.” FACT: VA healthcare is not exclusively for Veterans with service-connected disabilities .
“VA healthcare is only for combat Veterans.” FACT: VA healthcare is available to all eligible Veterans .
“VA care is substandard.” FACT: In many studies, VA care is shown to be as good as or better than care in the private sector .
“Veterans face long wait times.” FACT: VA has implemented initiatives to reduce wait times and improve access .
“Veterans must travel long distances.” FACT: VA has expanded community care through the MISSION Act .
“VA facilities are outdated.” FACT: VA has invested heavily in modernizing facilities and technology .
The Post-9/11 M2VA program is the primary contact for transitioning service members and Post-9/11 era Veterans entering the VA healthcare system .
What M2VA does:
Partners with VHA, VBA, and DoD
Ensures access to VA healthcare
Reduces administrative barriers that delay or prevent care
Helps with community reintegration
Who qualifies: Post-9/11 Veterans, including National Guard and Reservists with federal activation .
Starting in 2026, VA no longer automatically mails the 1095-B tax form (proof of VA health coverage for ACA requirements) .
To get your form:
Download: Sign in to VA.gov to download and print a digital copy
Request paper copy: Call the VA, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. ET
Every state has a Department of Veterans Services offering additional healthcare support, including:
State Veterans Homes (long-term care)
State Veterans Cemeteries
State-specific health programs
Contact your state’s Veterans Services office for local resources beyond federal VA benefits.
If you served in active military, naval, or air service and didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge, you may be eligible. PACT Act expanded eligibility to all Veterans exposed to toxins, including those who served in Vietnam, Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, or any combat zone after 9/11. Even if you were told “no” before, apply now .
The PACT Act is a 2022 law that expanded VA healthcare to millions of Veterans exposed to toxins and hazards. It covers service in Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, and other combat zones after 9/11, plus Camp Lejeune. Many Veterans who were previously denied now qualify .
Yes. You need to be enrolled in VA healthcare and have received care from VA within the past 24 months to use the VA urgent care benefit. Tell the urgent care provider you’re using the VA urgent care benefit when you arrive .
The COMPACT Act allows Veterans in acute suicidal crisis to receive free emergency care at any VA or non-VA health care facility. You don’t need to be enrolled in VA healthcare to use this benefit.
Yes. You can use VA healthcare benefits along with private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or TRICARE. VA will submit a claim to your private insurer for services provided at VA facilities. What’s not covered by your private insurance will be paid by VA, except for any applicable copays depending on your Priority Group .
The 1095-B form is proof that you have VA health coverage. Being enrolled in VA healthcare meets the ACA requirement for “minimum essential coverage.” Starting in 2026, you need to download your 1095-B from VA.gov instead of receiving it by mail .
Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers that provide free, confidential mental health and substance use counseling. They do not require VA enrollment. Call 877-927-8387 to find your nearest location.
Use the VA facility locator at VA.gov/find-locations. You can search by ZIP code, city, or state.
M2VA is the primary contact for transitioning service members and Post-9/11 Veterans entering VA healthcare. It partners with VHA, VBA, and DoD to ensure access to VA healthcare and reduce administrative barriers that delay care .
In certain cases, you may receive dental care as part of your VA health benefits. Dental coverage depends on your Priority Group, disability rating, and other factors .
Apply even if you think you don’t qualify – PACT Act expanded eligibility for millions
VA healthcare is the largest integrated healthcare system – more than 1,200 locations serving 9 million Veterans annually
Basic eligibility: Active-duty service + discharge other than dishonorable
Income is only one factor – many Veterans qualify through service connection, toxic exposure, or PACT Act
VA coverage includes: Preventive care, inpatient, urgent/emergency, mental health, prescriptions, prosthetics, and more
Enrollment meets ACA minimum essential coverage requirement
1095-B forms are digital-only starting in 2026 – download from VA.gov
FY 2026 funding: $114.9 billion discretionary for VA medical care
M2VA helps transitioning service members enroll and access care
Vet Centers offer free counseling without VA enrollment requirement
VA Health Care Enrollment – https://www.va.gov/health-care
Apply for VA Health Care – https://www.va.gov/health-care/apply
VA Health Care Eligibility – https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility
Find a VA Location – https://www.va.gov/find-locations
Veterans Crisis Line – https://www.veteranscrisisline.net (Call 988, press 1)
USA.gov Veterans Benefits – https://www.usa.gov/veterans
VA Form 10-10EZ – https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-10-10ez
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