Jerry L. Pettis VA Hospital: Services, Eligibility, Contact Info

What Is Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Hospital?

Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Hospital is a full-service VA medical center located at 11201 Benton Street in Loma Linda, California. It is part of the VA Loma Linda Healthcare System and provides primary care, specialty health services, mental health care, addiction treatment, cancer care, suicide prevention, and women’s health care to eligible veterans. The main phone number is 909-825-7084. 

Quick Facts

Location and Contact Information

The hospital is located at 11201 Benton Street, Loma Linda, CA 92357-1000. The main phone number is 909-825-7084. The facility operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Address

11201 Benton Street
Loma Linda, CA 92357-1000

Phone Numbers

Facility Hours

The medical center is open 24/7. Individual service hours may vary. Audiology and Speech Pathology, for example, operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

History of Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Hospital

The hospital was authorized by Congress in 1967 and groundbreaking took place in 1974. It was named in memory of Congressman Jerry L. Pettis, who died in a plane crash in 1975. The facility was dedicated on September 25, 1977, and admitted its first patient on December 27, 1977. 

Key Milestones

• January 17, 1967: H.R. Bill 2573 authorized construction of a hospital in the Riverside-San Bernardino area.

• August 20, 1971: President Richard Nixon announced the hospital would be built in Loma Linda.

• June 16, 1974: Groundbreaking ceremony for the $70 million facility.

• February 14, 1975: Congressman Jerry L. Pettis died at age 58. The medical center was named in his memory.

• September 25, 1977: Dedication ceremonies attended by over 5,000 people.

• December 27, 1977: First patient admitted.

• October 19, 1987: New 60-bed Nursing Home Care Unit addition dedicated.

• Today: The facility has 159 hospital beds and a 110-bed Community Living Center. It is part of a healthcare system serving over 76,000 veterans with more than 3,299 employees. 

About Jerry L. Pettis

Congressman Jerry L. Pettis represented California’s 37th District. He served in the U.S. Air Force as an instructor and pilot with the Air Transport Command in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He was a Seventh-day Adventist and a dedicated public servant. 

Services Offered at Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Hospital

The hospital provides a comprehensive range of inpatient, outpatient, and home care services. Major bed services include medicine, surgery, behavioral medicine (psychiatry), and neurology. 

Primary and Specialty Care

The medical center offers primary care and specialty health services including:

• Audiology and Speech Pathology: Hearing and balance evaluations, hearing aid selection and repair, cochlear implant management. 

• Cardiology: Diagnostic and interventional cardiac services. 

• Dermatology: Skin condition diagnosis and treatment. 

• Gastroenterology: Digestive system disorder diagnosis and treatment. 

• Neurology: Diagnosis and treatment of nervous system disorders. 

• Oncology: Cancer diagnosis and treatment. 

• Ophthalmology and Optometry: Eye care services. 

• Orthopedics: Musculoskeletal system treatment. 

• Pain Medicine: Chronic pain management. 

• General Surgery: Including cosmetic, plastic, and reconstructive surgery. 

• Neurosurgery: Surgical treatment of nervous system conditions. 

Mental Health Services

The hospital provides comprehensive mental health care including psychiatry, psychology, and PTSD treatment. Services include therapy, alternative treatments, and medications when needed. The Mental Health Access Clinic is located in the main hospital Emergency Department and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. 

Mental health conditions treated include:

• Depression, anxiety, and personality disorders

• Addictive behaviors and substance abuse

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and combat-related stress disorder

• Anger management and relationship challenges

• Memory problems and invasive thoughts

Addiction and Substance Use Care

The hospital offers inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment through its STAR (Substance Treatment and Recovery) program. Services include counseling, group therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and residential rehabilitation. 

Women’s Health Care

The medical center provides comprehensive women’s health services for female veterans. 

Additional Services

• Returning service member care: Help with readjusting to civilian life and connecting to VA programs. 

• Compensated Work Therapy (CWT): Vocational rehabilitation for veterans with barriers to employment. 

• Suicide prevention: Assessment and treatment support including private counseling and group therapy. 

• Telehealth: Expanded virtual care options to improve access and reduce missed appointments. 

Eligibility for Care at Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Hospital

You may be eligible for VA health care if you served in the active military, naval, or air service and did not receive a dishonorable discharge. Eligibility is based on military service and discharge type. 

Who Qualifies

• Veterans who served in active military, naval, or air service

• Veterans who did not receive a dishonorable discharge

• Active-duty service members (in some cases)

• National Guard and Reserve members who were activated under federal orders

Enrollment

Veterans who are not currently enrolled in VA health care can apply for enrollment at any time. Applications are accepted online at VA.gov, by phone at 877-222-VETS, by mail, or in person at a VA medical facility. 

Required Documents

• DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)

• Military service records

• Financial information (for enrollment priority determination)

• VA Form 10-10EZ (Application for Health Benefits)

How to Apply for Care at Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Hospital

To receive care at Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Hospital, you must first enroll in VA health care. Enrollment is free and can be completed through multiple channels.

Online Application

Visit VA.gov/healthbenefits/enroll to complete the application online. 

Phone Application

Call 877-222-VETS (877-222-8387) to apply by phone. 

In-Person Application

Visit the Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Hospital enrollment office at 11201 Benton Street, Loma Linda, CA 92357. 

By Mail

Download and complete VA Form 10-10EZ and mail it to the address provided on the form.

How to Schedule an Appointment

Contact the hospital to schedule, reschedule, or cancel your appointment. If a referral is required, you will need to contact your primary care provider first. 

Appointment Phone Number

Call the main number at 909-825-7084 to schedule an appointment. 

Wait Times

Current wait times for new patients (as of September 2026):

Patient Trust Score

92.1% of outpatients agree or strongly agree that they trust Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Hospital for their health care needs. 

Parking and Transportation

The hospital offers parking and transportation assistance for veterans and authorized caregivers.

Parking

The facility has extensive parking, including more than 2,000 parking spaces at the Ambulatory Care Center. Wheelchairs are available upon arrival for patients who need them. 

Shuttle Services

Shuttle service is available to transport veterans between the Medical Center and the Ambulatory Care Center. 

DAV Vans

The hospital works with Disabled American Veterans and county Veterans Affairs directors to provide transportation for veterans and authorized caregivers to scheduled medical appointments. 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. 

Quality Ratings and Recognition

Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Hospital received a 4-star hospital quality rating from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in September. CMS’s hospital ratings are based on five categories: mortality, safety of care, readmission, patient experience, and timely and effective care. 

Recent Innovations

VA Loma Linda Healthcare System has instituted several improvements including reduced hospital readmissions through enhanced post-discharge follow-up, expanded access to care through open slot management, and broader use of telehealth. 

Advanced Technology

The hospital has implemented TeleCritical Care services in its intensive care unit, with 30 rooms equipped with Tele-ICU capability. 

Community Clinics and Outreach

VA Loma Linda Healthcare System operates community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs) to improve access to care. These clinics are located in Corona, Murrieta, Palm Desert, Rancho Cucamonga, and Victorville. The Blythe Telehealth Clinic opened in 2010. In 2016, VA Loma Linda opened an Ambulatory Care Center. 

Volunteering and Donations

VA Loma Linda’s Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) hosts monthly volunteer orientation sessions on the second Thursday of the month from 1-2 p.m. at the Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans’ Hospital in Loma Linda. 

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers can support veterans by serving as patient escorts, greeters, courtesy cart drivers, volunteer transportation network drivers, and in administrative positions. 

How to Get Involved

Call the hospital’s volunteer services department at 909-589-6011 for more information. 

Common Questions

1. What is Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Hospital?

Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Hospital is a full-service VA medical center in Loma Linda, California. It is part of the VA Loma Linda Healthcare System and provides primary care, specialty health services, mental health care, addiction treatment, cancer care, suicide prevention, and women’s health care to eligible veterans. The main phone number is 909-825-7084.

2. How do I enroll for care at Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Hospital?

To enroll, you must first apply for VA health care. Apply online at VA.gov/healthbenefits/enroll, by phone at 877-222-VETS, by mail, or in person at the hospital. You will need your DD-214 and financial information.

3. Who is eligible for care at this hospital?

You may be eligible if you served in the active military, naval, or air service and did not receive a dishonorable discharge. Eligibility is based on military service and discharge type. Veterans who are not currently enrolled can apply at any time.

4. What services are offered at Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Hospital?

Services include primary care, audiology, cardiology, dermatology, gastroenterology, neurology, oncology, ophthalmology, optometry, orthopedics, pain medicine, psychiatry, psychology, PTSD treatment, addiction treatment, women’s health, and surgery.

5. How do I schedule an appointment?

Call the main number at 909-825-7084 to schedule, reschedule, or cancel an appointment. If a referral is required, contact your primary care provider first.

6. What are the wait times for appointments?

Wait times vary by service. As of September 2026, new patient wait times ranged from 0 days (Gastroenterology) to 22 days (Ophthalmology and Optometry). Established patient wait times ranged from 1 day (Mental Health Individual) to 73 days (Optometry).

7. Is parking available at the hospital?

Yes. The facility has extensive parking, including more than 2,000 parking spaces at the Ambulatory Care Center. Wheelchairs are available upon arrival. Shuttle service is available between the Medical Center and the Ambulatory Care Center.

8. What mental health services are available?

The hospital provides psychiatry, psychology, and PTSD care. Services include therapy, alternative treatments, and medications. The Mental Health Access Clinic is located in the Emergency Department and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m.

9. Does the hospital have an emergency room?

Yes. The hospital has an Emergency Department with expanded capacity, including 16 new exam rooms and a waiting area that can accommodate 36 veterans. Annual emergency department visits total approximately 5,143.

10. How do I volunteer at the hospital?

Volunteer orientation sessions are held on the second Thursday of the month from 1-2 p.m. Call the volunteer services department at 909-589-6011 for more information.

11. What is the history of Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Hospital?

The hospital was authorized in 1967, groundbreaking took place in 1974, and it was dedicated in 1977. It was named in memory of Congressman Jerry L. Pettis, who died in a plane crash in 1975.

12. What quality rating does the hospital have?

The hospital received a 4-star hospital quality rating from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in September. CMS ratings are based on mortality, safety of care, readmission, patient experience, and timely and effective care.

13. Are there community clinics affiliated with the hospital?

Yes. VA Loma Linda Healthcare System operates community-based outpatient clinics in Corona, Murrieta, Palm Desert, Rancho Cucamonga, and Victorville. The Blythe Telehealth Clinic opened in 2010.

14. What is the patient trust score at this hospital?

92.1% of outpatients agree or strongly agree that they trust Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Hospital for their health care needs.

15. How do I get transportation to the hospital?

The hospital offers shuttle services, DAV vans, and beneficiary travel benefits including round-trip transportation, mileage reimbursement, or special mode transport.

Key Takeaways

• Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Hospital is a full-service VA medical center located at 11201 Benton Street, Loma Linda, CA 92357.

• The main phone number is 909-825-7084, and the facility operates 24/7.

• Enrollment in VA health care is required before receiving care. Apply online at VA.gov, by phone at 877-222-VETS, by mail, or in person.

• The hospital provides comprehensive services including primary care, specialty care, mental health, addiction treatment, cancer care, and women’s health.

• The hospital received a 4-star CMS quality rating and has a 92.1% patient trust score.

• Wait times vary by service, from 0 days for Gastroenterology to 73 days for established Optometry patients.

• Free transportation options are available, including DAV vans, shuttle services, and beneficiary travel benefits.

• Community clinics are located in Corona, Murrieta, Palm Desert, Rancho Cucamonga, and Victorville.

• Volunteer opportunities are available, with orientation sessions on the second Thursday of each month.

• The hospital is named in memory of Congressman Jerry L. Pettis, a World War II Air Force veteran who died in 1975.

Official Resources

• VA Loma Linda Healthcare System: va.gov/loma-linda-health-care

• Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Hospital: va.gov/loma-linda-health-care/locations/jerry-l-pettis-memorial-veterans-hospital/

• VA Health Benefits Enrollment: va.gov/healthbenefits/enroll

• VA Form 10-10EZ: va.gov/find-forms/about-form-10-10ez/

• VA Health Care Eligibility: va.gov/health-care/eligibility/

• Access to Care – Facility Performance Data: accesstocare.va.gov

• VA Loma Linda History: va.gov/loma-linda-health-care/about-us/history/

• USA.gov Veterans Benefits: usa.gov/veterans-benefits

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