North Dakota Veterans Home Admission Requirements: Complete Guide
To be admitted to the North Dakota Veterans Home in Lisbon, you must be a bona fide resident of North Dakota for at least 30 days prior to application, have an honorable discharge from military service, and complete a formal application approved by the Board of Admissions. The home operates both basic care and skilled nursing facilities, and priority for admission is given to veterans with service-connected disabilities, former prisoners of war, and disabled North Dakota National Guard members.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Facility | North Dakota Veterans Home (Basic Care & Skilled Nursing) |
| Location | 1600 Veterans Drive, Lisbon, ND 58054 |
| Admissions Phone | (701) 683-6540 |
| Residency Requirement | Bona fide ND resident for 30 days (may be waived for ND regiment service) |
| Discharge Requirement | Honorable or general under honorable conditions; no dishonorable discharges |
| Application | Formal application with DD-214 and medical certificate (VA Form 10-10SH) |
| Priority Admission | Veterans with service-connected disability receive highest priority |
| Background Check | Required for all applicants before admission |
| Updated For | 2025-2026 |
What Is the North Dakota Veterans Home?
The North Dakota Veterans Home is a state-funded long-term care facility located in Lisbon, North Dakota, serving veterans and their families. It provides both basic care (assisted living) and skilled nursing care (nursing home) for veterans who need assistance with daily living or medical care.
Who it serves:Â Veterans, spouses, and surviving spouses of veterans who meet eligibility requirements.
Why it matters:Â This facility offers affordable, specialized care for veterans who have served our country, prioritizing those with service-connected disabilities and wartime service.
What you should do next:Â If you are interested in admission, contact the admissions office at (701) 683-6540 to request an application or discuss your specific situation.
Admission Eligibility Requirements
Core Requirements
To be eligible for admission, you must meet the following criteria:
North Dakota Residency:Â You must be a bona fide resident of North Dakota for at least 30 days before applying. The residency requirement may be waived if you served in a North Dakota regiment or were accredited to this state.
Honorable Discharge:Â You must have received an honorable or general under honorable conditions discharge. Applicants whose last period of service was terminated under dishonorable conditions are not eligible.
Formal Application:Â You must complete and submit a formal application with required documentation.
Board Approval:Â Your application must be approved by the Board of Admissions.
Additional Requirements
No Felony Convictions:Â Applicants convicted of a felony or crime involving moral turpitude may be admitted only if they provide sufficient evidence of subsequent good conduct and reformation of character satisfactory to the Board of Admissions.
Alcohol/Substance Abuse:Â Applicants with a history of chronic alcoholism or drug addiction may be accepted only if the problem is under control as determined by a home physician or addiction counselor. The home requires 9 to 12 months of documented sobriety before acceptance.
Dialysis Exclusion:Â The North Dakota Veterans Home is unable to accept residents who are receiving dialysis treatment.
Admission Priority System
When the veterans home is full and a waiting list is necessary, admissions follow a priority system.
Basic Care Priorities
| Priority | Applicant Type |
|---|---|
| 1 | Residents of the skilled care unit needing basic care |
| 2 | Veterans with service-connected disability or complications from a service-connected disability |
| 3 | American ex-prisoners of war |
| 4 | Discharged ND National Guard members disabled in line of duty |
| 5 | Spouses and surviving spouses of veterans |
Skilled Nursing Priorities
| Priority | Applicant Type |
|---|---|
| 1 | Skilled nursing residents medically discharged |
| 2 | Basic care residents needing skilled nursing care |
| 3 | Former basic care residents medically discharged and placed in outside skilled nursing |
| 4 | Veterans with service-connected disability or complications from a service-connected disability |
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityAn individual with a higher priority must be admitted before someone with a lower priority.
Application Process: Step by Step
Step 1: Contact Admissions Office
Call the admissions office at (701) 683-6540 to request an application or discuss your specific situation. The application is available at ndvh.nd.gov.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
Complete the application in its entirety. The form asks for:
Military service history
VA service-connected rating (if any)
Combat service history
Exposure to environmental contaminants (Agent Orange, radiation, etc.)
Medical history and current conditions
Financial information
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
Submit the following documents with your application:
| Required Document | Details |
|---|---|
| DD-214 (or certificate of service) | Proof of military service and discharge status |
| VA Form 10-10SH | Medical certificate (must be completed in full) |
| Chest X-Ray | Results from within the past 6 months |
| Copy of Current Driver’s License or ID | Identification verification |
| Copy of Social Security Card | Identification verification |
| VA Award Letters | Verifying pension, compensation, disability, aid and attendance |
| Last Bank Statement | Verification of income and assets |
| Insurance Cards | Medicare and secondary insurance |
| Signed Authorization for Background Check | Required for all applicants |
| Medical Release Authorizations | For all facilities where applicant is seen |
| Durable Power of Attorney/Guardianship Papers | If applicable |
Step 4: Submit Application
Mail completed application and supporting documents to:
North Dakota Veterans Home
Attn: Admissions
PO Box 673
Lisbon, ND 58054-0673
Step 5: Application Review
The Board of Admissions reviews all applications. Processing is generally completed within ten working days of receipt, provided the application is complete.
If insufficient information is available to process the application, an authorization to disclose information form will be sent to you.
Step 6: Admission Scheduling
If your application is approved, you must contact the admissions coordinator within 30 days of receiving your acceptance letter to schedule admission.
If you fail to contact the admissions coordinator within 30 days, your admission will be denied. You may be considered again only after another medical assessment is submitted and approved, or an extension is granted by the administrator.
Types of Care Provided
Basic Care Unit
The basic care unit provides assisted living services for veterans who need help with daily activities but do not require 24-hour skilled nursing care. There are approximately 110 beds in the basic care unit.
Skilled Nursing Unit
The skilled nursing facility provides 24-hour nursing care for veterans with more complex medical needs. There are approximately 40 beds in the skilled care unit.
Required Documentation for Spouses and Surviving Spouses
Spouses and surviving spouses of eligible veterans may be admitted on the same footing as the veteran. Required documents include:
Veteran’s death certificate (for surviving spouses)
Marriage certificate
DD-214 of the veteran
Financial Responsibility
Residents agree to pay for their cost of care from their income and assets according to current rates set by the State of North Dakota.
When personal funds are insufficient, residents must:
Comply with eligibility requirements
Apply for State of North Dakota Medicaid acceptance
Criminal Background Check
All applicants will have a background check completed before admission. This is a mandatory part of the application process.
Common Questions
1. Where is the North Dakota Veterans Home located?
The North Dakota Veterans Home is located at 1600 Veterans Drive, Lisbon, ND 58054. It is the only state veterans home in North Dakota.
2. How long do I have to be a North Dakota resident to apply?
You must be a bona fide resident of North Dakota for 30 days before applying. The residency requirement may be waived if you served in a North Dakota regiment or were accredited to this state.
3. Can spouses of veterans be admitted to the home?
Yes. Spouses and surviving spouses of eligible veterans may be admitted upon the same footing as the veteran.
4. What is the phone number for admissions?
The admissions telephone number is (701) 683-6540.
5. What happens if my application is incomplete?
If the Board of Admissions determines insufficient information is available, an authorization to disclose information form will be sent to you to be signed and returned.
6. How long does it take to process an application?
Processing is generally completed within ten working days of receipt, provided the application is complete.
7. Can someone with a dishonorable discharge be admitted?
No. No applicant is eligible whose last period of service was terminated under dishonorable conditions.
8. What is VA Form 10-10SH?
VA Form 10-10SH is the medical certificate required for admission. It must be completed in its entirety by a healthcare provider.
9. Is a background check required?
Yes. All applicants must have a background check completed before admission.
10. Are there restrictions for applicants with substance abuse history?
Yes. Applicants with chronic alcoholism or drug addiction may be accepted only if the problem is under control. The home requires 9-12 months of documented sobriety.
11. Can veterans with end-stage renal disease be admitted?
No. The home is unable to accept residents who are receiving dialysis treatment.
12. Does the home accept Medicaid?
Yes. Residents whose funds are insufficient must apply for North Dakota Medicaid acceptance.
Key Takeaways
The North Dakota Veterans Home is located in Lisbon and offers both basic care and skilled nursing services.
Applicants must be North Dakota residents for at least 30 days and have an honorable discharge.
Veterans with service-connected disabilities receive the highest priority for admission.
Required documents include DD-214, VA Form 10-10SH, chest X-ray (within 6 months), and background check authorization.
Processing takes approximately 10 working days for complete applications.
Contact the admissions office at (701) 683-6540 to begin the application process.
Spouses and surviving spouses of eligible veterans may also apply for admission.
Applicants with active substance abuse or receiving dialysis treatment are not eligible for admission.
Official Resources
North Dakota Veterans Home (Official):Â ndvh.nd.gov
Admissions Office Phone:Â (701) 683-6540
North Dakota Century Code: legis.nd.gov (Sections 37-15-02, 37-15-10, 37-15-10.1)
ND Administrative Code:Â Article 86-03 (Admission and Residency Rules)
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📌 Information provided as of June 2026. Always verify current eligibility and rules with official .gov sources.
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