Complete Guide to VA Central California Health Care, Disability Claims, and State Benefits
Veterans in Fresno and Visalia receive care through the VA Central California Health Care System, anchored by the Fresno VA Medical Center at 2615 East Clinton Avenue. The Visalia VA Clinic at 500 North Santa Fe Street provides outpatient care for South Valley Veterans. Disability claims are filed through VA.gov or with free help from the Fresno County Veterans Service Office at (559) 600-5436. The average VA disability claim decision takes 75.6 days as of September 2026.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Facilities | Fresno VA Medical Center; Visalia VA Clinic |
| Eligibility | Veterans enrolled in VA health care; combat Veterans have 10-year eligibility post-separation |
| Application | Online at VA.gov, by phone at 877-222-8387, or in person |
| Processing Time | VA disability claims average 75.6 days (September 2026) |
| Official Agency | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) |
| Required Forms | VA Form 10-10EZ (healthcare), VA Form 21-526EZ (disability), DD-214 |
| Updated For | 2026 (PACT Act expansions, 2.8% COLA increase, new Visalia clinic services) |
What Is VA Central California Health Care System?
The VA Central California Health Care System is the VA network serving Veterans in Fresno, Visalia, Merced, Oakhurst, and surrounding communities across California’s Central Valley. The system operates one medical center and three community-based outpatient clinics, providing comprehensive healthcare to more than 30,000 Veterans across a six-county region.
VA Central California Facilities
| Facility | Address | Phone | Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresno VA Medical Center | 2615 East Clinton Avenue, Fresno, CA 93703 | 559-225-6100 | Full-service hospital, 24/7 emergency care, surgery, specialty care |
| Visalia VA Clinic | 500 North Santa Fe Street, Visalia, CA 93292 | 559-684-8703 | Primary care, women’s health, mental health, audiology, prosthetics |
| Fresno VA Clinic (CBOC) | Fresno, CA | — | Primary care, specialty services |
| Merced VA Clinic | Merced, CA | — | Primary care, outpatient services |
| Oakhurst VA Clinic | Oakhurst, CA | — | Primary care, outpatient services |
The Fresno VA Medical Center is a 117-bed acute care facility that provides inpatient and outpatient care. The facility includes a Community Living Center (CLC) with 60 beds for long-term nursing and rehabilitative care.
Fresno VA Medical Center Key Details
Address: 2615 East Clinton Avenue, Fresno, CA 93703-2223
Main Phone: 559-225-6100
Emergency Services: Available 24/7
Toll-Free: 888-826-2838
24-Hour Triage Nurse Line: 833-983-0487, option 3
Hours: Open 24/7 for emergency care; administrative hours vary by department
The Fresno VA Medical Center provides immediate treatment for serious, life-threatening health emergencies such as severe chest pain, seizures, heavy uncontrollable bleeding, or moderate to severe burns. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest VA or non-VA emergency department.
Visalia VA Clinic Key Details
The Visalia VA Clinic opened on May 20, 2024, replacing the smaller Tulare VA clinic. The new 23,300-square-foot two-story facility at 500 North Santa Fe Street (the former Buckman Mitchell Insurance Building) provides significantly expanded services for South Valley Veterans.
Address: 500 North Santa Fe Street, Visalia, CA 93292-5065
Main Phone: 559-684-8703
24-Hour Triage Nurse Line: 833-983-0487, option 3
Opened: May 20, 2024
Services available at the Visalia VA Clinic:
Primary Care
Women’s Health
Mental Health
Audiology
Connected Care (telehealth)
Lab Services
Prosthetics (added 2025)
Eligibility Services (added 2025)
VA ID Card Processing (added 2025)
Dermatology
Optometry
Physical Therapy
Sleep Medicine
Mental Health Group and Individual Therapy
Services Available at Fresno VA Medical Center
The Fresno VA Medical Center provides a comprehensive range of medical, surgical, mental health, and specialty services.
Primary Care Services
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityPrimary care is the foundation of VA healthcare in the Central Valley. Services include:
Routine medical exams and health screenings
Preventive care including immunizations and cancer screenings
Chronic disease management (diabetes, hypertension, heart disease)
Women’s health services
Geriatric care
Telehealth appointments through VA Video Connect
Mental Health Services
Mental health care is a major focus at Fresno VA. Services include:
Individual and group therapy
PTSD treatment including specialty post-traumatic stress disorder programs
Depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder treatment
Military sexual trauma (MST) counseling
Substance use disorder treatment with medication-assisted treatment
Suicide prevention programs
Mental health group appointments
The Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7 by calling 988, Press 1, texting 838255, or chatting online at VeteransCrisisLine.net.
Specialty Care Services
Specialty services available at Fresno VA Medical Center include:
Audiology (hearing loss testing and hearing aids)
Cardiology (heart care)
Dermatology (skin conditions)
Gastroenterology (digestive health)
Neurology (brain and nervous system)
Oncology (cancer treatment)
Ophthalmology (vision care)
Optometry (eyeglasses)
Orthopedics (bone and joint care)
Pain Medicine
Physical Therapy
Podiatry (foot care)
Prosthetics (artificial limbs and braces)
Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine
Sleep Medicine
Spinal Cord Injury Treatment
Surgery
Emergency and Urgent Care
The Fresno VA Medical Center provides 24/7 emergency room care. Veterans experiencing a medical emergency should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. VA covers emergency care at non-VA facilities under certain conditions, including if the Veteran is enrolled in VA health care and the VA facility was not reasonably available.
For urgent but non-emergency needs, VA offers urgent care in the community through participating providers. Veterans should contact VA Health Connect first to determine eligibility.
Community Living Center
The Community Living Center (CLC) at Fresno VA provides 60 beds for Veterans requiring long-term nursing and rehabilitative care. Services include:
Skilled nursing care
Hospice and palliative care
Rehabilitation services
Adult day health care
VA Healthcare Eligibility and Enrollment
VA healthcare enrollment is separate from VA disability compensation. Veterans can qualify for VA health care even without a service-connected disability.
Who Qualifies for VA Health Care
You may qualify for VA health care if you:
Served in the active military, naval, or air service and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
Served at least 24 months of continuous active duty (or the full period for which you were called to active duty)
Meet income and net worth thresholds for non-service-connected care
Under the PACT Act, combat Veterans now have 10 years of healthcare eligibility following their separation from service. Veterans who served on active duty in a theater of combat operations during a period of war after the Persian Gulf War, or in combat against a hostile force after November 11, 1998, and were discharged after October 1, 2013, are eligible for free VA health care for any condition related to service for up to 10 years from their most recent discharge or separation date.
VA Health Care Priority Groups
When you enroll, you are assigned to one of 8 priority groups that determine enrollment timing and copay obligations.
| Priority Group | Eligibility Requirements | Copays |
|---|---|---|
| Priority 1 | Service-connected disabilities rated 50% or more; unemployable due to service-connected conditions; Medal of Honor recipients | None |
| Priority 2 | Service-connected disabilities rated 30% or 40% | None |
| Priority 3 | Service-connected disabilities rated 10% or 20%; former POWs; Purple Heart recipients | None |
| Priority 4 | Veterans receiving Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits; catastrophically disabled | None |
| Priority 5 | Non-service-connected Veterans who are low-income | None |
| Priority 6 | Veterans who served in a combat theater after 9/11; those exposed to toxic substances | Yes |
| Priority 7 | Veterans who agree to pay copays | Yes |
| Priority 8 | Veterans with income above VA means test thresholds | Yes |
Priority Groups 1–5 have no copayments for medical care. Priority Groups 6 and 7 have copayments for care and medications.
How to Enroll in VA Health Care
Option 1: Online (Fastest)
Go to VA.gov/health-care/apply
Complete VA Form 10-10EZ electronically
Upload supporting documents
Receive confirmation and priority group assignment
Option 2: By Phone
Call 877-222-8387
A representative will complete the application over the phone
Option 3: In Person
Visit the Fresno VA Medical Center at 2615 East Clinton Avenue
Or visit the Visalia VA Clinic at 500 North Santa Fe Street
Bring your DD-214, photo ID, and income information
Complete VA Form 10-10EZ with staff assistance
Option 4: By Mail
Download and complete VA Form 10-10EZ
Mail to: Health Eligibility Center, PO Box 4009, Atlanta, GA 30348-4009
Required Documents for Enrollment
DD-214 (or separation papers)
Photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
Income information from the previous calendar year (for non-service-connected Veterans)
Current insurance cards (Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, or private insurance)
VA disability award letters (if applicable)
PACT Act: Expanded Benefits for Central Valley Veterans
The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022 is the largest expansion of VA health care and benefits in decades. It covers Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances.
Who Qualifies Under the PACT Act
The PACT Act covers Veterans who served in:
Vietnam War (Agent Orange exposure)
Gulf War (burn pits, chemical exposure)
Iraq and Afghanistan (burn pits, particulate matter)
Global War on Terror (any combat zone after 9/11)
Other locations with toxic exposure as designated by VA
What the PACT Act Adds
The PACT Act makes more than 20 burn pit and toxic-exposure-related conditions presumptively service-connected. This means Veterans do not need to prove a direct medical nexus — if they served in a qualifying location and have a qualifying condition, VA presumes service connection.
Under the PACT Act, Veterans exposed to toxic substances can access:
Free hearing aids and eyeglasses
Affordable health care options with medication copayments starting at $8 and capped at $33
Expanded eligibility for VA health care enrollment
Toxic exposure screening during VA health care visits
PACT Act Impact in California
The PACT Act greatly expanded eligibility for disability benefits, including making Veterans eligible for benefits that had previously been denied. Approximately 24,000 servicemembers leave the military annually and return to California — all are prospective new VA customers.
What Central Valley Veterans Should Do Next
Visit VA.gov/PACT to check eligibility
Contact the Fresno County Veterans Service Office at (559) 600-5436 for free claim assistance
Call 800-698-2411 with questions about PACT Act eligibility
Enroll in VA health care even if you have not filed a disability claim
VA Disability Compensation: Eligibility and Rates
VA disability compensation is a tax-free monthly payment for Veterans who have physical or mental health conditions caused or worsened by military service. The amount depends on your disability rating, which ranges from 0% to 100% in increments of 10%.
Who Qualifies for VA Disability Compensation
To qualify, you must meet all of these requirements:
Active military, naval, or air service with an honorable discharge (or other than dishonorable)
A current diagnosed condition (physical or mental)
An event, injury, or illness during service that caused or worsened the condition
A medical nexus connecting the current condition to service
Veterans can also file for secondary conditions — new disabilities caused or aggravated by an already service-connected condition. For example, a Veteran with a service-connected knee injury may develop depression or arthritis as a secondary condition.
2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates
Rates are effective December 1, 2025, through November 30, 2026. The 2026 COLA increase was 2.8%.
| Disability Rating | Veteran Alone (Monthly) | Veteran with Spouse (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 | $617.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 | $883.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | $1,241.90 |
| 60% | $1,436.79 | $1,564.79 |
| 70% | $1,810.09 | $1,957.09 |
| 80% | $2,103.80 | $2,269.80 |
| 90% | $2,364.83 | $2,550.83 |
| 100% | $3,291.06 | $3,502.06 |
Veterans with a 30% or higher rating can claim additional compensation for dependents, including a spouse, children under 18, and children in school between 18 and 23. Use VA Form 21-686c to add dependents to an existing award.
What Central Valley Veterans Should Do Next
Gather your DD-214 and all relevant medical records
File an Intent to File (ITF) on VA.gov to lock in your effective date
Contact the Fresno County VSO at (559) 600-5436 for free assistance
Submit VA Form 21-526EZ (Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits)
Attend your C&P exam if scheduled — this is critical to your claim
How to Apply for VA Disability Benefits in Fresno & Visalia
There are three ways to file a VA disability claim from the Central Valley.
Option 1: Online Application (Fastest)
Go to VA.gov and sign in with a DS Logon, ID.me, or Login.gov account
Complete VA Form 21-526EZ electronically
Upload supporting documents (DD-214, medical records, buddy statements)
Submit and receive a confirmation number
Option 2: Free Help from Fresno County Veterans Service Office
Contact the Fresno County Veterans Service Office at (559) 600-5436
Visit the office at 1320 E. Shaw Ave., Suite 105, Fresno, CA 93710
A Veterans Service Officer will file an Intent to File to preserve your effective date
The officer will help gather evidence and submit your claim to VA at no cost
The Fresno County VSO can represent you throughout the process
Fresno County Veterans Service Office
Address: 1320 E. Shaw Ave., Suite 105, Fresno, CA 93710
Phone: (559) 600-5436
Fax: (559) 455-2498
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; Friday, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Tulare County Veterans Service Office (serving Visalia)
Contact your county Veterans Service Office for free assistance
CalVet provides claims review and appeals representation through its District Offices
Option 3: By Mail
Download VA Form 21-526EZ from VA.gov
Complete the form and attach copies of all supporting documents
Mail to: Department of Veterans Affairs, Claims Intake Center, PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547-4444
Required Documents for a VA Disability Claim
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| DD-214 (or separation papers) | Proves military service and discharge characterization |
| Medical records | Shows current diagnosis and treatment history |
| Service treatment records | Links condition to military service |
| Buddy statements | Supports your claim with lay evidence |
| VA Form 21-526EZ | Official application for disability compensation |
| VA Form 21-4142 | Authorization to release medical records |
| Marriage certificate | Required if claiming dependents |
| Children’s birth certificates | Required if claiming dependents |
VA Claims Processing Times (2026)
VA has dramatically reduced disability claim processing times. The average time to complete a decision was 75.6 days in September 2026, compared to 141.5 days on January 20, 2025 — a 47% decrease. VA completed 3 million disability benefits claims in fiscal year 2026.
| Claim Type | Average Processing Time (2026) | Prior Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Disability Compensation | 75.6–80.7 days | 141.5 days |
| DIC Claims | 85 days | 174 days |
| Veterans Pension | 57 days | 170 days |
| Survivors Pension | 73 days | 172 days |
| Burial Claims | 31 days | 70 days |
VA also reduced its backlog of claims older than 125 days by more than 70%. Claims processing accuracy is currently 94%.
VA Pension and Survivor Benefits
VA Pension (Wartime Veterans)
VA pension is a needs-based monthly benefit for wartime Veterans with limited income. Unlike disability compensation, pension does not require a service-connected condition.
Eligibility requires:
Wartime service (at least 90 days active duty, with at least 1 day during a wartime period)
Honorable discharge
Limited income and net worth
Age 65 or older, OR permanently and totally disabled, OR a patient in a nursing home, OR receiving Social Security Disability Insurance
Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits provide additional monthly payments for Veterans who need help with daily activities or are confined to their home.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
DIC is a tax-free monthly benefit for surviving spouses, children, and parents of Veterans who died from service-connected causes.
Survivors may qualify for DIC if:
The Veteran died from a service-connected condition
The Veteran was permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected condition at time of death
The Veteran died while receiving VA compensation for a service-connected condition
Survivors Pension
Survivors Pension is a needs-based benefit for surviving spouses and children of wartime Veterans who meet income and net worth limits. For 2026, the net worth limit to be eligible for Survivors Pension benefits is $163,699.
California State Veterans Benefits
Beyond federal VA benefits, California offers its own package of state-level benefits for Veterans and their families.
California Disabled Veterans’ Property Tax Exemption
California provides a property tax exemption for the primary residence of a disabled Veteran or an unmarried surviving spouse. For the 2026 lien date, the basic exemption amount is $180,671**, and the low-income exemption amount is **$271,009 for claimants with household income below $81,131.
| Rating | Exemption Amount | Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 100% disabled or 100% unemployable | $180,671 | None |
| 100% disabled or 100% unemployable (low-income) | $271,009 | $81,131 |
Who qualifies:
US military Veterans rated 100% disabled or 100% unemployable due to service-connected injury or disease
Unmarried surviving spouses of a deceased veteran qualified for this exemption or whose death was service-connected
Required documents:
VA rating letter stating 100% disability or unemployability rating due to a service-connected injury
DD-214 document
How to apply: Contact your county assessor’s office and complete the BOE-261-G claim form. The California Board of Equalization prescribes one claim form for all 58 counties.
California Military Retirement Pay Tax Exclusion
Beginning in tax year 2025 (taxes filed after January 1, 2026, and before January 1, 2030), California has authorized a tax exclusion of **$20,000 of military retired pay**. Veterans receiving military retirement pay and families receiving payments from the federal Survivor Benefit Plan will be able to exclude up to $20,000 of their income each year from state income taxes.
CalVet College Fee Waiver
The CalVet College Fee Waiver (CFW) program provides a waiver of all mandatory systemwide tuition and fees at any State of California Community College, campus of the University of California, or campus of the California State University system.
Who qualifies:
Children of any veteran of the United States military who has a service-connected disability, has been killed in service, or has died of service-related causes
Spouses and unmarried surviving spouses of veterans who meet certain eligibility requirements
The child (no age limit) of a veteran
The waiver covers tuition, matriculation, and other school-imposed fees. Benefits may be given for a maximum of four years of education.
Plan A: For children (no age limit) of a veteran who has a service-connected disability rated 0% or higher, or who died of service-related causes.
Plan B: For children (under 21st birthday) of a veteran who has a service-connected disability rated 0% or higher, or who died of service-related causes. Also for spouses and unmarried surviving spouses.
A new online college fee waiver submission tool has been launched to speed up application processing.
California Veterans Housing Programs
California operates several housing programs for Veterans:
CalVet Home Loans — low-interest home loans for California Veterans
Veterans Housing and Homeless Prevention Program — rental assistance and housing support
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) — rapid re-housing and homelessness prevention
Governor Newsom’s 2026 budget includes $7 million to continue housing stability and supportive services for older Veterans, including nursing care.
California Veterans Employment and Legal Services
California provides:
Veterans’ Preference in state hiring
$6 million in the 2026 budget to strengthen County Veterans Service Offices for benefits assistance
Free legal services to help Veterans obtain military discharge upgrades, restoring eligibility for federal benefits
California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet)
CalVet provides claims representation to Veterans and their families with assistance in obtaining benefits by reviewing claims and providing appeals representation. CalVet has three District Offices co-located at the USDVA Regional Offices in Los Angeles, Oakland, and San Diego.
CalVet Veterans Services Division
Address: 1227 “O” Street, Suite 105, Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 1-800-952-5626
Website: www.cdva.ca.gov
The VA Claims Process: Step-by-Step
Step 1: File an Intent to File (ITF)
An ITF establishes your effective date — the date from which VA will calculate back pay if your claim is approved. You have one year from filing an ITF to submit your complete claim. The Fresno County VSO can file an ITF for you during your first appointment.
Step 2: Gather Evidence
Strong evidence makes claims faster and more likely to succeed:
Service treatment records (request from the National Personnel Records Center)
Private medical records (VA Form 21-4142 authorizes release)
Buddy statements from fellow service members
Personal statement describing symptoms and impact on daily life
Nexus letter from a medical provider linking condition to service
Step 3: Submit VA Form 21-526EZ
Submit your complete application online at VA.gov, by mail, or through the Fresno County VSO. Include all supporting documents with your submission.
Step 4: Attend C&P Exam
The Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam is a medical examination requested by VA to evaluate your claimed conditions. Do not miss this exam — failure to attend can result in claim denial.
Step 5: Receive Decision
VA will review your claim and issue a decision letter. The average processing time for disability claims is currently 75.6 days as of September 2026.
Step 6: If Approved, Receive Back Pay
Back pay is calculated from your effective date to the date of your decision. The effective date is generally the date VA received your claim or the date entitlement arose, whichever is later.
Common Mistakes That Delay VA Claims
Not listing all conditions — Each disability must be explicitly listed on VA Form 21-526EZ
Failing to submit medical evidence — Provide strong evidence yourself; do not rely on VA alone
Missing partial dates — VA forms require complete dates
Ignoring secondary conditions — Conditions caused by a service-connected disability must be claimed separately
Not signing the form — Missing signatures can result in claim cancellation
Not responding to VA requests — Respond within the deadline or your claim may be denied
Skipping the C&P exam — Missing the exam almost always leads to denial
Filing without an ITF — Without an ITF, your effective date is the date you file the full claim
Not keeping a copy — Always keep a complete copy of everything you submit to VA
Waiting too long to appeal — You have one year from the decision date to preserve your effective date
VA Decision Reviews and Appeals
If you disagree with a VA decision, you have three options for review.
| Review Option | Best For | Form | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supplemental Claim | Adding new and relevant evidence | VA Form 20-0995 | 1 year from decision |
| Higher-Level Review | No new evidence; senior reviewer catches errors | VA Form 20-0996 | 1 year from decision |
| Board Appeal | Veterans Law Judge review | VA Form 10182 | 1 year from decision |
If more than one year has passed since the decision, your only option is to file a Supplemental Claim.
The Fresno County VSO and CalVet provide free representation for appeals. CalVet has appeals representation available at its District Offices in Los Angeles, Oakland, and San Diego.
Common Questions
How do I contact the Fresno VA Medical Center?
Call 559-225-6100 or 888-826-2838. The hospital is at 2615 East Clinton Avenue, Fresno, CA 93703-2223. It is open 24/7 for emergency care. The 24-hour triage nurse line is 833-983-0487, option 3.
Where is the VA clinic in Visalia?
The Visalia VA Clinic is at 500 North Santa Fe Street, Visalia, CA 93292-5065. The main phone number is 559-684-8703. The clinic opened on May 20, 2024, and offers primary care, women’s health, mental health, audiology, prosthetics, and lab services.
How long does a VA disability claim take in 2026?
The average VA disability claim processing time is 75.6 days as of September 2026, down from 141.5 days in January 2025. VA completed 3 million disability claims in record time in fiscal year 2026.
Can I get VA health care without a disability rating?
Yes. VA health care eligibility is separate from disability compensation. Under the PACT Act expansion, many Veterans can enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for disability benefits. Apply at VA.gov/health-care/apply or visit the Fresno VA Medical Center.
What is the PACT Act and does it apply to Central Valley Veterans?
The PACT Act expands VA benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxins. It covers Veterans who served in Vietnam, Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, and post-9/11 combat zones. Combat Veterans now have 10 years of healthcare eligibility following separation from service.
How do I add my spouse or children to my VA disability benefits?
File VA Form 21-686c (Application Request to Add or Remove Dependents) if you have a 30% or higher disability rating. You can file online at VA.gov or get help from the Fresno County VSO.
What California state benefits are available to Central Valley Veterans?
California offers a property tax exemption up to $271,009** for 100% disabled Veterans, a **$20,000 military retirement pay tax exclusion, the CalVet College Fee Waiver for dependents, and CalVet Home Loans. Contact CalVet at 1-800-952-5626 for assistance.
How do I contact the Fresno County Veterans Service Office?
Call (559) 600-5436. Visit the office at 1320 E. Shaw Ave., Suite 105, Fresno, CA 93710. Hours are Monday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., and Friday, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Services are free and include VA claims assistance and benefits counseling.
What should I bring to my first VA appointment?
Bring your DD-214, photo ID, insurance cards (Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, or private), list of current medications, and any medical records from non-VA providers. If you are enrolling, also bring income information from the previous calendar year.
Does the Fresno VA Medical Center have emergency services?
Yes. The Fresno VA Medical Center provides 24/7 emergency room care. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. VA covers emergency care at non-VA facilities under certain conditions.
What mental health services are available at Fresno VA?
The hospital provides individual and group therapy, PTSD treatment, depression and anxiety care, military sexual trauma counseling, and substance use disorder treatment. Mental health group appointments are available, and the Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7 at 988, Press 1.
What is the CalVet College Fee Waiver and who qualifies?
The CalVet College Fee Waiver provides tuition-free education at California public colleges and universities for children, spouses, and unmarried surviving spouses of qualifying Veterans. Children of Veterans with a service-connected disability, who were killed in service, or who died of service-related causes may qualify. Apply through CalVet.
Key Takeaways
The Fresno VA Medical Center at 2615 East Clinton Avenue is the primary VA hospital for the Central Valley — call 559-225-6100.
The Visalia VA Clinic at 500 North Santa Fe Street opened in May 2024 with expanded services including primary care, women’s health, mental health, audiology, prosthetics, and lab services.
Average VA disability claim processing time is 75.6 days as of September 2026, a 47% decrease from January 2025.
VA Form 21-526EZ is the standard application for disability compensation. File online at VA.gov for the fastest processing.
The PACT Act expands benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and toxins. Medication copayments are capped at $33.
California offers a property tax exemption up to $271,009 for 100% disabled Veterans and their unmarried surviving spouses.
2026 VA disability rates range from $180.42/month** (10%) to **$3,291.06/month (100% veteran alone).
Fresno County Veterans Service Office at (559) 600-5436 provides free VA claims assistance.
CalVet College Fee Waiver provides tuition-free education at California public colleges for dependents of qualifying Veterans.
Three decision review options exist: Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, and Board Appeal.
Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7 by calling 988, Press 1, texting 838255, or chatting online.
California’s $20,000 military retirement pay tax exclusion is available for tax years 2025–2029.
Official Resources
VA.gov — Apply for benefits, check claim status, find VA facilities: va.gov
Fresno VA Medical Center — va.gov/central-california-health-care
Visalia VA Clinic — va.gov/central-california-health-care/locations/visalia-va-clinic
VA PACT Act Information — va.gov/PACT
VA Health Care Enrollment — va.gov/health-care/apply
VA Disability Compensation Rates — va.gov/disability/compensation-rates
VA Decision Reviews and Appeals — va.gov/decision-reviews
California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) — calvet.ca.gov
CalVet Benefits — calvet.ca.gov/VetServices
California Board of Equalization — Disabled Veterans’ Exemption — boe.ca.gov
Fresno County Veterans Service Office — fresnocountyca.gov
Veterans Crisis Line — veteranscrisisline.net
🇺🇸 IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER – Veterans Benefits Information
This site provides general information about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits for educational and informational purposes only.
- Not Official: We are NOT affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), or any other government agency.
- No Legal/Financial Advice: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice. VA benefits rules change frequently – always consult with an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) or a qualified professional for your specific situation.
- Official Sources: For official, binding information and to apply for benefits, always visit official .gov websites: VA.gov, Benefits.VA.gov, or SSA.gov.
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📌 Information provided as of June 2026. Always verify current eligibility and rules with official .gov sources.
This site is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. All information is for educational purposes only. Please visit VA.gov for official information.
