Louis Stokes VA Medical Center: Complete Guide to the Cleveland VA Hospital (2026)
The Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center is a 673-bed tertiary care hospital located at 10701 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH 44106. It is the flagship facility of the VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System, serving more than 100,000 Veterans across 21 counties. The emergency department is open 24/7, including holidays.
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 the Wade Park campus |
| Processing Time | Enrollment decisions typically within 7–10 business days |
| Official Agency | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System |
| Required Forms | VA Form 10-10EZ, DD-214, VA disability award letters, income information |
| Updated For | October 2026 |
What Is the Louis Stokes VA Medical Center?
The Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center is the primary VA hospital for Northeast Ohio. It is named after Louis Stokes, Ohio’s first African American member of Congress and a longtime advocate for Veterans. The hospital overlooks Rockefeller Park and sits next to the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Natural History Museum, Case Western Reserve University, and Severance Hall.
The facility operates as part of the VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System (VANEOHS), which includes 17 locations: the Wade Park medical center, 12 community-based outpatient clinics, and 5 medical mobile units. VANEOHS is part of Veterans Integrated Service Network 10 (VISN 10), which covers facilities in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky.
Why it matters: For Veterans in Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Youngstown, and surrounding communities, Louis Stokes is the primary access point for VA hospital care. It operates more Centers of Excellence than any other VA health care system in the country.
What Veterans should do next: If you are not yet enrolled in VA health care, apply online at VA.gov or visit the enrollment office at the Wade Park campus.
Services Offered at Louis Stokes VA Medical Center
The Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center provides a comprehensive range of medical, surgical, and mental health services. The hospital has 673 operational beds and operates several Centers of Excellence.
Centers of Excellence
Louis Stokes operates more Centers of Excellence than any other VA health care system. These include:
Open heart surgery
Geriatric evaluation and management
Substance abuse care
Domiciliary care for homeless Veterans
Medical care for homeless Veterans
Care for Veterans who are seriously mentally ill
Spinal cord injury care
HIV care
Inpatient and Surgical Care
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityThe hospital provides a full range of surgical services. As a teaching hospital, it offers state-of-the-art technology and is affiliated with Case Western Reserve University and Ursuline College.
Emergency Care
The Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Emergency Department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. It treats serious, life-threatening conditions such as severe chest pain, seizures, heavy uncontrollable bleeding, moderate to severe burns, and mental health crises.
The emergency department is a Level 1 geriatric-accredited facility. It received more than 23,000 visits in the last fiscal year, with a 21-percent admission rate.
Recent renovation: The emergency department completed a major renovation in 2024. The renovation included larger treatment rooms, cardiac monitoring areas, improved family seating, and increased negative pressure room capacity. A new Mental Health Intervention Suite opened in May 2025 with four dedicated rooms, a changing room, an interview room, and a centralized nursing station.
Mental Health Services
The hospital offers a full continuum of mental health care, including inpatient and outpatient services. The recently expanded emergency department includes a dedicated mental health section for patients in crisis.
Mental Health Contact: 216-791-3800, ext. 61035
Women Veteran Care
The Women’s Health Program at Louis Stokes provides comprehensive care for women Veterans of all ages. Services include:
Women’s primary care
Maternity care
Mental health care
Military Sexual Trauma (MST) counseling
Gynecology
Breast cancer screening
Ultrasounds, mammograms, Pap and HPV tests
MST Coordinator: 216-791-3800, ext. 66849
Specialty Care
Specialties available at Louis Stokes include:
Audiology (tinnitus, vertigo, hearing loss)
Cardiology
Dialysis and kidney treatment
Hematology/oncology
Neurology
Pain management
Prosthetics and sensory aids
Radiation therapy
Rheumatology
Spinal cord injury care
Pharmacy Services
The outpatient pharmacy provides full prescription services. Veterans can pick up new prescriptions in person, refill online, by phone, or by mail, and safely dispose of medicines.
Homeless Veteran Programs
Louis Stokes operates a Domiciliary for homeless Veterans and provides medical care for homeless Veterans. The hospital also operates a homeless shelter in Kent, Ohio called “Freedom House.”
Who Qualifies for Care at Louis Stokes VA Medical Center?
You must be enrolled in VA health care to receive care at Louis Stokes VA Medical Center. VA health care eligibility is based on your service history, discharge status, disability rating, and income.
Eligibility Categories
| Category | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Service-connected disability | Veterans with a VA service-connected disability rating (10% or higher) qualify for free care |
| Former POWs | 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 enrollment office at the Wade Park campus.
How to Apply for Care at Louis Stokes VA Medical Center
Applying for VA health care 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 Wade Park campus.
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.
How to Get to Louis Stokes VA Medical Center
Address
Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center
10701 East Boulevard
Cleveland, OH 44106-1702
Driving Directions
From I-90 East: Take Exit 177 for Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Continue approximately two miles to the intersection of E. 105th Street and MLK Boulevard. The main entrance to the VA Medical Center is at the next traffic light. Turn right into the grounds and proceed to the patient parking garage.
Parking
Parking at Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center is free for all Veterans, visitors, and staff. The parking garage is located directly across the street from the main facility.
Handicap parking spaces are clearly marked and reserved for vehicles with a VA handicap hangtag or an appropriate state-issued handicap placard or license plate. Wheelchairs are available upon arrival for patients who need them.
Transportation Services
DAV Vans: The Disabled American Veterans organization provides transportation for Veterans and authorized caregivers to scheduled medical appointments. Individual van schedules vary.
Beneficiary Travel: Eligible Veterans may receive round-trip transportation from home to the medical center, mileage reimbursement, or special mode transport. Contact Beneficiary Travel at 216-791-2300, ext. 44211.
Fisher House: The Cleveland VA Fisher House provides living suites at no cost to family members of hospitalized Veterans and military members.
Contact Information for Louis Stokes VA Medical Center
| Department | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| Main Phone | 216-791-3800 |
| Toll-Free | 877-838-8262 |
| Emergency Department | 216-791-3800, ext. 61062 |
| Mental Health | 216-791-3800, ext. 61035 |
| MST Coordinator | 216-791-3800, ext. 66849 |
| Pharmacy | 216-791-3800 |
| Billing & Insurance | 216-791-3800, ext. 61060 |
| Beneficiary Travel | 216-791-2300, ext. 44211 |
| Release of Information | 216-791-3800, ext. 42009 |
| Veterans Crisis Line | 988, then press 1 |
Mailing Address:
Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center
10701 East Boulevard
Cleveland, OH 44106
Tele-Emergency Care at Louis Stokes
Enrolled Veterans can access tele-emergency care by calling the main number at 216-791-3800 and pressing “3.” Medical triage staff are available 24/7 to guide Veterans to the appropriate level of care, including tele-emergency care.
Emergency Care vs. Urgent Care at Louis Stokes
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, mental health crises | Louis Stokes ER, Wade Park | 24/7/365 |
| Urgent Care | Colds, flu, minor cuts, ear infections, pink eye | Community-based outpatient clinics or Mission Act-approved clinics | Varies |
Under the MISSION Act: 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: For non-emergency after-hours care, call the main number at 216-791-3800 for guidance.
PACT Act and Toxic Exposure at Louis Stokes
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 Louis Stokes
VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System is committed to educating Veterans within its 21-county catchment area about the PACT Act, which has expanded eligibility to thousands of Veterans since August 2022. The hospital offers outreach services, toxic exposure screenings, and claims assistance.
What to do next: If you were exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, or other toxins during service, call 216-791-3800 to schedule a toxic exposure screening.
Community Living Center and Extended Care at Louis Stokes
The Louis Stokes campus includes extended care facilities for Veterans who need rehabilitation or long-term care.
Community Living Center
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
Domiciliary
The Domiciliary provides residential rehabilitation for Veterans addressing:
Substance use disorders
Mental health conditions
Homelessness and housing instability
Employment and life skills training
The Brecksville Campus, part of the Louis Stokes system, has provided extended care rehabilitation, general nursing home care, psychogeriatric care, and a domiciliary for homeless Veterans for over 50 years.
Women Veterans Services at Louis Stokes
Women are the fastest-growing group in the Veteran population. The Louis Stokes Women’s Health Program provides comprehensive services.
Available Services
Primary care
Gynecology
Maternity care and childbirth education
Mental health care and counseling
Military Sexual Trauma (MST) counseling
Breast cancer screening
Ultrasounds, mammograms, Pap and HPV tests
Female-specific medical equipment
The hospital has a dedicated Women Veterans Health Committee and recently opened a new addition dedicated to serving women Veterans.
Common Mistakes Veterans Make When Seeking Care at Louis Stokes
Going to the emergency room for non-emergencies. The Louis Stokes 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 tele-emergency care. Enrolled Veterans can call 216-791-3800 and press “3” for 24/7 triage.
Not asking for a patient advocate. If you have trouble accessing care or resolving an issue, patient advocates are available to help.
Parking in restricted areas. Parking is free, but some lots are restricted. Follow signage to the patient parking garage.
Missing the enrollment office hours. The enrollment office is open during business hours. Plan your visit accordingly.
Common Questions
1. What is the Louis Stokes VA Medical Center?
The Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center is a 673-bed tertiary care hospital at 10701 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH 44106. It is the flagship facility of the VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System, serving more than 100,000 Veterans across 21 counties in Northeast Ohio.
2. Who can go to Louis Stokes VA Medical Center?
Veterans enrolled in VA health care can receive care at Louis Stokes. Eligibility is based on service history, discharge status, disability rating, and income. Apply online at VA.gov or at the enrollment office.
3. Does Louis Stokes VA Medical Center have an emergency room?
Yes. The Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Emergency Department is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including holidays. It treats serious, life-threatening conditions and has a dedicated mental health intervention suite.
4. How do I enroll for care at Louis Stokes VA Medical Center?
Complete VA Form 10-10EZ online at VA.gov, by phone at 1-877-222-8387, or in person. Bring your DD-214, VA disability award letters, and income information.
5. Where do I park at Louis Stokes VA Medical Center?
Parking is free for all Veterans, visitors, and staff. The parking garage is located directly across the street from the main facility. Handicap parking is available with proper identification.
6. What mental health services are available at Louis Stokes?
Louis Stokes offers inpatient and outpatient mental health care, including individual therapy, psychiatric care, addiction treatment, and a newly expanded emergency department mental health intervention suite. Call 216-791-3800, ext. 61035.
7. What is the PACT Act and how does it apply to Louis Stokes?
The PACT Act expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxins. Louis Stokes offers PACT Act outreach, toxic exposure screenings, and claims assistance for Veterans in its 21-county catchment area.
8. Does Louis Stokes VA Medical Center serve women Veterans?
Yes. The Women’s Health Program provides primary care, gynecology, maternity care, mental health counseling, MST counseling, breast cancer screening, and more.
9. What is the Community Living Center at Louis Stokes?
The Community Living Center provides nursing home-level care, including rehabilitation, palliative care, and memory care for Veterans who need extended services. It is part of the VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System.
10. How do I contact Louis Stokes VA Medical Center?
Call 216-791-3800 (local) or 877-838-8262 (toll-free). The mailing address is 10701 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH 44106. For emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
11. Can I use urgent care instead of the Louis Stokes 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 Louis Stokes?
Specialties include open heart surgery, spinal cord injury care, geriatric evaluation, substance abuse care, HIV care, audiology, cardiology, oncology, neurology, pain management, prosthetics, and more.
Key Takeaways
Louis Stokes VA Medical Center is a 673-bed tertiary care hospital at 10701 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH 44106.
Emergency care is available 24/7 and includes a dedicated mental health intervention suite.
You must be enrolled in VA health care to receive care. Apply with VA Form 10-10EZ online, by phone, or in person.
Parking is free for all Veterans, visitors, and staff in the parking garage across from the main facility.
PACT Act services include toxic exposure screenings and claims assistance for Veterans in 21 Northeast Ohio counties.
Women Veterans receive comprehensive care, including maternity, gynecology, MST counseling, and mental health services.
Tele-emergency care is available 24/7 by calling 216-791-3800 and pressing “3.”
Centers of Excellence include open heart surgery, spinal cord injury care, geriatric evaluation, and homeless Veteran programs.
The hospital trains more than 1,960 health care students annually through affiliations with Case Western Reserve University and other institutions.
Mission Act urgent care lets eligible Veterans use approved community clinics for minor illnesses.
Official Resources
VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System: VA.gov/northeast-ohio-health-care
Health Services: VA.gov/northeast-ohio-health-care/health-services
Contact Us: VA.gov/northeast-ohio-health-care/contact-us
VA Health Care Eligibility: VA.gov/health-care/eligibility
PACT Act and Your VA Benefits: VA.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits
VA Form 10-10EZ: VA.gov/find-forms/about-form-10-10ez
Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1
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📌 Information provided as of June 2026. Always verify current eligibility and rules with official .gov sources.
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