Salem VA Medical Center: Complete Guide to Hours and Services

Salem Veterans Affairs Office: Hours, Contact, and Services

The Salem VA Medical Center at 1970 Roanoke Boulevard operates 24/7 for emergency care, with outpatient services Monday–Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) Salem office, located in Building 8, Room 113, is open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. by appointment. Main phone: 540-982-2463.

Quick Facts

Salem VA Medical Center: Hours and Contact

The Salem VA Medical Center operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergency and inpatient services. Outpatient clinics and administrative offices generally operate Monday through Friday during regular business hours.

Location and Contact Information

Facility Hours

Parking and Transportation

The Salem VA Medical Center campus has wheelchairs available upon arrival for patients who need them to access the building. Parking is available on campus.

Van Services for Veterans:

• DAV Vans: Free van rides to and from Salem VA Medical Center health care facilities for veterans who don’t have other transportation options. Individual van schedules vary.

• Non-DAV Van Services: Many localities in the region provide other van services to veterans.

• Beneficiary Travel: Round-trip transportation from your home to the medical center, mileage reimbursement, or special mode transport for qualifying veterans.

Important: Reserve your DAV van seat as soon as you make your medical appointment.

Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) Salem Office

The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) operates a benefits office inside the Salem VA Medical Center. DVS assists veterans and their families in obtaining state, federal, and local benefits they are entitled to but might not otherwise receive.

DVS Salem Office Location and Hours

Important: The office is closed to the public on the last business day of each month. Appointments are highly recommended. Walk-in service is not guaranteed.

DVS Salem Office Staff

DVS Services at Salem

The DVS Salem office provides free assistance with:

• VA disability compensation claims

• Claims for increased ratings

• Secondary condition claims

• VA pension applications

• Survivor benefits (DIC, death pension)

• Burial benefits

• Appeals assistance

• Healthcare enrollment

• Education benefits navigation

• State benefits navigation

DVS Service Area

The DVS Salem office serves the following counties and cities:

Counties: Alleghany, Botetourt, Buchanan, Craig, Floyd, Franklin, Henry, Montgomery, Patrick, Roanoke

Cities: Covington, Radford, Roanoke, Salem

DVS Outreach Schedule

DVS representatives also visit locations throughout the service area:

Services at the Salem VA Medical Center

The Salem VA Medical Center is a 242-bed teaching hospital providing a full range of health care services to more than 78,000 eligible veterans in southwestern Virginia. It is a complexity level 1C facility offering tertiary care in medicine, surgery, mental health, and extended care and rehabilitation.

Health Services Offered

The medical center provides comprehensive health services across multiple specialties:

Primary and Specialty Care:

• Primary care and internal medicine

• Cardiology

• Gastroenterology

• Neurology (with subspecialty clinics for neuro-oncology, movement disorders, epilepsy, headache, traumatic brain injury, sleep, stroke, and neuroimmunology)

• Oncology

• Orthopedics

• Dermatology

• Pain medicine

• Physical medicine and rehabilitation

• Geriatrics and extended care

Mental Health Care:

• Individual and group counseling

• PTSD treatment (veterans do not need to be service-connected for PTSD to be treated)

• Substance use disorder treatment

• Acute Care Psychiatric Services (Building 170)

• 24/7 psychiatry coverage in the Emergency Department

• Suicide prevention

• Military sexual trauma counseling

• Homeless veteran services (HUD-VASH)

Women’s Health:

• Primary and preventive care

• Mammograms, Pap tests, and HPV tests

• Menopause treatment, including hormonal therapy

• Family planning, contraceptive care, and infertility evaluation

• Mental health care and counseling

• Referrals for obstetric and peri-natal care

Specialty Services:

• Blind and low vision rehabilitation

• Comprehensive eye exams

• Visual skills assessments

• Dental and oral surgery

• Prosthetics

• Audiology and speech pathology

• Pharmacy services

• Laboratory and pathology

• Radiology

• Emergency care (24/7)

• Substance abuse residential rehabilitation treatment program (26 beds)

• Extended Care Rehabilitation Center (90 beds)

Emergency Care

The Salem VA Health Care System emergency department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest VA or non-VA emergency department. The emergency department provides immediate treatment for serious, life-threatening health emergencies such as severe chest pain, seizures, heavy uncontrollable bleeding, or moderate to severe burns.

Urgent Care

The urgent care clinic offers walk-in health care for minor injuries and non-emergency illnesses that are not life-threatening but need early attention. Conditions treated include colds, flu, strep throat, sinus infections, ear and eye infections, minor injuries, muscle strains, rashes, and skin infections.

Mental Health and Crisis Resources

Emergency crisis services are available 24 hours a day, every day, by calling the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 (Press 1). The Salem VA HCS provides 24/7 psychiatry coverage in the Emergency Department. Veterans with other-than-honorable (OTH) administrative discharges may receive care for mental health emergencies for an initial period of up to 90 days.

Crisis Resources:

• Call 988 (Press 1 for Veterans)

• Text 838255 to connect

• Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for immediate medical assistance

Pharmacy Services

The Salem VA Medical Center is the only location in the health care system with an on-site pharmacy. The Outpatient Pharmacy is located in Building 143 and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Veterans can:

• Pick up new prescriptions in person

• Refill prescriptions online, in the app, and by phone or mail

• Safely dispose of medicines

Women Veteran Care

The Salem VA Health Care System offers complete health care for women veterans of all ages. Primary care providers specialize in women’s health and work closely with specialists in gynecology, female urology, oncology, medicine, radiology, surgery, and breast illness. The Women’s Health Clinic provides a full range of services in a comfortable, private setting.

Blind and Low Vision Rehabilitation

The low vision outpatient clinic assesses veterans’ needs and provides a rehabilitation plan tailored to personal goals. The team of specialists and social workers helps veterans find the right aids and services. Services include comprehensive eye exams, visual skills assessments, guidance on developing visual motor and perceptual skills, and training to manage daily activities with vision loss.

Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs)

The Salem VA Health Care System operates five community-based outpatient clinics in addition to the main medical center. These clinics provide primary care and some specialty services closer to where veterans live.

CBOC Locations

Wytheville VA Clinic

The Wytheville VA Clinic is located at 165 Peppers Ferry Rd, Wytheville, VA 24382. Call (276) 223-5400 for appointments.

Roanoke VA Regional Benefit Office

The Roanoke VA Regional Benefit Office processes disability compensation, education, pension, and other non-medical VA benefits for veterans across Virginia. It is the only VA Regional Benefit Office in the Commonwealth.

Location and Contact

Services Provided

• Disability compensation

• Education benefits (GI Bill)

• Life insurance

• Pensions

• Home loans

• Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)

Scheduling an Appointment

Visitors seeking assistance from the Public Contact Team are encouraged to schedule an appointment using the Visitor Engagement Reporting Application (VERA). VERA allows visitors to schedule, reschedule, and cancel appointments online.

To schedule: Visit va.my.site.com/VAVERA

What to Bring

When visiting the Roanoke Regional Office, bring:

• A current, unexpired photo ID

• Your DD-214 (discharge papers)

• Copies of relevant medical records

• Your Social Security number

• Direct deposit information

• Dependent information (dates of birth, Social Security numbers)

Veterans Service Organizations at Roanoke

The following VSOs have representatives located at the Roanoke Regional Office:

• Virginia Department of Veterans Services (Suite 810, 540-597-1730)

• Other accredited VSO representatives

Eligibility for VA Health Care at Salem

Veterans can access care at the Salem VA Medical Center by enrolling in VA health care. Eligibility is based on several factors, including service history, disability rating, income, and other qualifying criteria.

Who Qualifies for VA Health Care

Veterans may qualify for VA health care if they meet any of the following criteria:

• Service-connected conditions: Veterans with disabilities related to their military service

• Purple Heart recipients: Automatically eligible

• Former prisoners of war: Automatically eligible

• Low income: Veterans with income below VA thresholds

• Catastrophically disabled: Veterans with severe disabilities

• Combat veterans: Veterans who served in combat theaters

• Agent Orange exposure: Veterans exposed to herbicides during service

• PACT Act: Veterans exposed to toxic substances during service

• Other qualifying categories: As determined by VA regulations

How to Apply for VA Health Care

Step 1: Gather required documents:

• DD-214 (discharge papers)

• Photo ID

• Social Security number

• Income information (if applicable)

• Insurance information (if applicable)

Step 2: Complete VA Form 10-10EZ (Application for Health Benefits).

Step 3: Submit your application:

• Online at VA.gov

• By mail to the Salem VA Medical Center

• In person at the Enrollment and Eligibility Office at Salem VA Medical Center

Step 4: Await eligibility determination.

Step 5: Receive your VA health care enrollment decision.

Enrollment and Eligibility Office

The Salem VA Medical Center has an Enrollment and Eligibility Office where veterans can get help enrolling for benefits. Contact the main phone number at 540-982-2463 for more information.

VA Health Care Enrollment Phone

Call 1-877-222-8387 to enroll in VA health care.

How to Apply for VA Benefits in Salem

Applying for VA benefits in Salem follows a straightforward process. Start with the resource that matches your immediate need.

Decision Tree: Where to Go for Help

Step-by-Step: Getting Started

Step 1: Identify your primary need using the decision tree above.

Step 2: Gather required documents:

• DD-214 (discharge papers)

• Photo ID

• Social Security number

• Direct deposit information

• Medical records (if applicable)

• VA disability award letter (if applicable)

Step 3: Contact the appropriate office:

• For health care: Call the Salem VA Medical Center at 540-982-2463

• For claims: Contact the DVS Salem Office at 540-597-1730

• For mental health: Call the Salem VA Mental Health clinic

Step 4: Schedule an appointment where required.

Step 5: Complete applications and submit documentation.

Step 6: Follow up on your claim or application. Keep copies of everything you submit.

Common Mistakes Veterans Make with VA Claims

• Filing without complete evidence: Claims without medical documentation are frequently denied

• Missing appeal deadlines: You have one year from a VA decision to file an appeal

• Not claiming secondary conditions: Conditions caused by your primary disability may qualify for additional compensation

• Paying unaccredited “claim sharks”: Free assistance is available through DVS and accredited VSOs

• Giving up after denial: Free appeals representation is available through DVS

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the phone number for the Salem VA Medical Center?

The main phone number for the Salem VA Medical Center is 540-982-2463. The toll-free number is 888-982-2463. The medical center is located at 1970 Roanoke Boulevard, Salem, VA 24153-6404.

What are the visiting hours for the Salem VA Medical Center?

The emergency department and inpatient care operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Outpatient clinics generally operate Monday–Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Hours may vary for different services.

Where is the DVS office in Salem?

The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) Salem office is located inside the Salem VA Medical Center at 1970 Roanoke Boulevard, Building 8, Room 113, Salem, VA 24153.

What are the DVS Salem office hours?

The DVS Salem office is open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Appointments are available in-person, online, or via phone. Appointments are highly recommended. The office is closed to the public on the last business day of each month.

How do I schedule an appointment with the DVS Salem office?

Call 540-597-1730 to schedule an appointment. Appointments are available in-person, online, or via phone between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Walk-ins may be seen around appointments, time permitting.

What services does the Salem VA Medical Center offer?

The Salem VA Medical Center offers primary care, specialty care, mental health care, women’s health, emergency care (24/7), dental, pharmacy, blind and low vision rehabilitation, substance use treatment, and extended care rehabilitation.

Does the Salem VA Medical Center have an emergency room?

Yes. The Salem VA Health Care System emergency department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest VA or non-VA emergency department.

What mental health services are available at Salem VA?

The Salem VA HCS provides individual and group counseling, PTSD treatment, substance use disorder treatment, acute psychiatric services, 24/7 psychiatry coverage in the Emergency Department, and suicide prevention. Veterans do not need to be service-connected for PTSD to be treated.

What women’s health services are available at Salem VA?

The Women’s Health Clinic offers primary and preventive care, mammograms, Pap tests, HPV tests, menopause treatment, family planning, contraceptive care, infertility evaluation, mental health care, and referrals for obstetric and peri-natal care.

Is there a pharmacy at the Salem VA Medical Center?

Yes. The Outpatient Pharmacy is located in Building 143 and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Veterans can pick up new prescriptions in person and refill prescriptions online, in the app, and by phone or mail.

How do I enroll in VA health care at Salem?

Complete VA Form 10-10EZ and submit it online at VA.gov, by mail, or in person at the Salem VA Medical Center Enrollment and Eligibility Office. Call 1-877-222-8387 to enroll.

Where is the Roanoke VA Regional Benefit Office?

The Roanoke VA Regional Benefit Office is located at 210 Franklin Rd, SW, Roanoke, VA 24011, in the Poff Federal Building. Hours are Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Call 1-800-827-1000.

How do I schedule an appointment at the Roanoke VA Regional Office?

Use the Visitor Engagement Reporting Application (VERA) at va.my.site.com/VAVERA to schedule, reschedule, or cancel appointments.

What CBOCs are part of the Salem VA Health Care System?

The Salem VA Health Care System operates five community-based outpatient clinics in Danville, Lynchburg, Staunton, Tazewell, and Wytheville, Virginia.

What transportation options are available for veterans in Salem?

DAV vans provide free rides to and from Salem VA Medical Center facilities. Beneficiary Travel provides round-trip transportation, mileage reimbursement, or special mode transport for qualifying veterans. Reserve your DAV van seat as soon as you make your medical appointment.

Key Takeaways

• The Salem VA Medical Center at 1970 Roanoke Boulevard operates 24/7 for emergency care, with outpatient services Monday–Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Main phone: 540-982-2463.

• The DVS Salem office is located in Building 8, Room 113, and is open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. by appointment. Call 540-597-1730.

• The Roanoke VA Regional Benefit Office at 210 Franklin Rd SW processes disability, education, and pension benefits. Hours are Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

• The Salem VA Medical Center is a 242-bed teaching hospital serving more than 78,000 veterans in southwestern Virginia, with five community-based outpatient clinics.

• The medical center earned a 5-star CMS rating for three consecutive years and is a complexity level 1C facility.

• Mental health services include 24/7 psychiatry coverage in the Emergency Department, PTSD treatment (no service connection required), and substance use disorder treatment.

• Women’s health services include mammograms, Pap tests, menopause treatment, and family planning.

• The Outpatient Pharmacy in Building 143 is open Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

• DAV vans and Beneficiary Travel provide transportation for veterans to medical appointments. Reserve your seat as soon as you make your appointment.

• The Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7 by dialing 988 (Press 1) or texting 838255.

Official Resources

VA Resources

• Salem VA Medical Center: https://www.va.gov/salem-health-care

• Salem VA Medical Center Location: https://www.va.gov/salem-health-care/locations/salem-va-medical-center

• VA Salem Health Services: https://www.va.gov/salem-health-care/health-services

• Roanoke VA Regional Benefit Office: https://www.va.gov/roanoke-va-regional-benefit-office

• VA Disability Compensation: https://www.va.gov/disability

• VA Health Care: https://www.va.gov/health

• VA Benefits Forms: https://www.va.gov/find-forms

• VA Health Care Enrollment: 1-877-222-8387

• Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 (Press 1)

Virginia State Resources

• Virginia Department of Veterans Services: https://www.dvs.virginia.gov

• DVS Salem Office: 1970 Roanoke Blvd, Building 8, Room 113, Salem, VA 24153

• DVS Salem Phone: 540-597-1730

• DVS Statewide: 1-844-838-7838

Veterans Service Organizations

• DAV Virginia: https://www.virginiadav.org

• VFW Virginia: https://www.vfw.org

• American Legion: https://www.legion.org

• Paralyzed Veterans of America: https://www.pva.org

Federal Resources

• Social Security Administration: https://www.ssa.gov

• Medicare: https://www.medicare.gov

• Medicaid: https://www.medicaid.gov

• USA.gov Veterans Services: https://www.usa.gov/veterans

Related Posts

Understanding Veteran Property Rights: Protections and Benefits for Disabled Veterans

Read more

Exploring Market-Based Alternatives to VA Pension System Reform

Read more

Educational Freedom for Veterans: Expanding Choices through the GI Bill

Read more

Veterans Healthcare Savings Accounts: A New Era of Medical Freedom

Read more