VA Facilities in Roanoke and Lynchburg, Virginia: Complete Guide

United States Department of Veterans Affairs in Roanoke and Lynchburg, Virginia: Complete Guide to Facilities, Benefits, and Enrollment

Featured Answer: The VA in the Roanoke-Lynchburg region is anchored by the Salem VA Medical Center (1970 Roanoke Boulevard, Salem, VA; 540-982-2463), a 242-bed teaching hospital serving over 78,000 veterans across 26 counties. Outpatient care is delivered at the PFC Desmond T. Doss VA Clinic in Lynchburg (1600 Lakeside Drive; 434-316-5000). Disability claims for all Virginia veterans are processed through the Roanoke VA Regional Benefit Office (210 Franklin Road SW).

Quick Facts

Salem VA Medical Center: The Region’s Core VA Hospital

The Salem VA Medical Center is the primary VA medical facility for veterans in Roanoke, Lynchburg, and southwestern Virginia. It is a 242-bed teaching hospital located at 1970 Roanoke Boulevard in Salem, Virginia, and it provides inpatient and outpatient care across medicine, surgery, psychiatry, rehabilitation, and long-term care.

What the Salem VA Medical Center Is

The Salem VA Medical Center is part of the VA Salem Health Care System, which operates the medical center plus five community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs) in Danville, Lynchburg, Staunton, Tazewell, and Wytheville. The system serves more than 78,000 eligible veterans across 26 counties, 13 independent cities, and 8,800 square miles in southwestern Virginia. It is within Veterans Integrated Service Network 6 (VISN 6), which includes VA facilities in North Carolina and Virginia.

Why it matters: The Salem VA Medical Center is the referral hub for specialty care that cannot be delivered at the CBOC level. Veterans in Roanoke and Lynchburg who need cardiology, neurology, oncology, orthopedics, mental health specialty care, or long-term care are typically referred here.

Core Services at Salem VA Medical Center

The medical center provides a full range of services through primary care, tertiary care, and long-term care in the following areas:

• Medicine and surgery – general medical and surgical inpatient care

• Psychiatry and mental health – inpatient PTSD unit, Center for Traumatic Stress, psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery programs

• Physical medicine and rehabilitation – physical therapy, occupational therapy, and rehabilitation services

• Neurology – diagnostic and treatment services for neurological conditions

• Oncology – cancer diagnosis and treatment

• Dentistry – dental care for eligible veterans

• Geriatrics and extended care – long-term care, nursing home care, and geriatric evaluation

• Cardiology – cardiac catheterization, cardiac rehabilitation, and diagnostic services

• Audiology, optometry, and ophthalmology – hearing and vision care

• Women’s health – gynecology, women’s primary care, and related services

• Laboratory and pathology – blood tests, infectious disease testing, and surgical pathology (autopsy services are available at Salem VAMC only)

Research and Teaching

Salem VA Medical Center is a teaching hospital with three active medical school affiliations: the University of Virginia School of Medicine, the Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. It also trains nursing students from the University of Virginia, Radford University, Liberty University, Jefferson College of Health Sciences, Kaplan University, and Old Dominion University. The medical center has more than 80 affiliations with colleges and universities and hosts over 1,000 associate health and nursing trainees annually.

Major research areas include HIV, diabetes, asthma, osteoporosis, kidney disease, COPD, pneumonia, atrial fibrillation, dementia, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, obesity, depression, and substance abuse.

Accreditation

The Salem VA Health Care System has earned a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for three consecutive years and is accredited by The Joint Commission and the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.

Contact and Location

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PFC Desmond T. Doss VA Clinic: Lynchburg Outpatient Care

The PFC Desmond T. Doss VA Clinic is the VA community-based outpatient clinic serving Lynchburg and the surrounding region. It is located at 1600 Lakeside Drive in Lynchburg, Virginia, and operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m..

What the Lynchburg VA Clinic Provides

The Lynchburg clinic delivers outpatient services that do not require hospitalization. Core services include:

• Primary care – routine medical care, chronic disease management, and preventive health screenings

• Mental health care – individual and group therapy for PTSD, depression, anxiety, military sexual trauma, bipolar disorder, and other conditions; same-day help is available, and veterans may qualify even without full VA health care enrollment

• Laboratory and pathology – blood tests, urine testing, infectious disease testing, and cytopathology; autopsy services are available only at the Salem VAMC

• Pharmacy – prescription services, refills online, by phone, or by mail

• Preventive health screenings – routine screenings and health monitoring

What the Lynchburg Clinic Does Not Provide

The Lynchburg clinic does not provide inpatient care, surgery, or complex specialty services that require the Salem VA Medical Center. Veterans who need cardiology, neurology, oncology, orthopedics, or other specialty care are typically referred to Salem.

Transportation and Access

The clinic has wheelchairs available upon arrival. DAV vans and local transportation services provide rides to scheduled medical appointments for veterans and authorized caregivers. Beneficiary travel benefits include round-trip transportation, mileage reimbursement, or special mode transport.

Contact and Hours

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Roanoke Vet Center: Readjustment Counseling

The Roanoke Vet Center provides confidential readjustment counseling and related services to veterans, service members, and their families in a non-medical setting at no cost. It is separate from the Salem VA Medical Center and the Roanoke VA Regional Benefit Office.

What a Vet Center Is

Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers that focus on readjustment counseling for veterans who served in combat zones or experienced military sexual trauma, as well as bereavement counseling for families. They are staffed by counselors who are often veterans themselves and operate in non-medical settings to reduce barriers to care.

Roanoke Vet Center Services

The Roanoke Vet Center offers confidential help for veterans, service members, and their families at no cost. Services include individual, group, and family counseling, as well as assistance with VA benefits and referrals to other resources.

Locations and Hours

The main Roanoke Vet Center is located at 1401 Franklin Road SW, Suite 200, Roanoke, VA 24016. Hours are Monday 8:00 a.m.–8:30 p.m., Tuesday 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Wednesday 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m., Thursday 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., and Friday 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m..

Satellite access points are available in Martinsville (Calvarys Hill of Martinsville Church, 4225 Mt Olivet Rd), Covington (VFW Post 1033, 710 E Dolly Ann Drive), and Lynchburg (American Legion Post 16, 1301 Greenview Drive). Satellite locations are open by appointment only, and veterans should call the main Vet Center for scheduling.

Why it matters: The Lynchburg satellite location provides readjustment counseling closer to home for veterans in the Lynchburg area, complementing the medical services at the PFC Desmond T. Doss VA Clinic.

Roanoke VA Regional Benefit Office: Disability Claims and All VA Benefits

The Roanoke VA Regional Benefit Office is the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) office that processes disability compensation, pension, education benefits, life insurance, home loans, and survivor benefits for veterans in Virginia and the District of Columbia.

What the Roanoke Regional Office Does

The Roanoke VA Regional Office processes initial disability claims, supplemental claims, higher-level review requests, dependency claims, and burial benefits for every Virginia veteran. It is located at 210 Franklin Road SW, Roanoke, VA 24011.

Why it matters: Veterans in Roanoke and Lynchburg do not need to travel to Washington, D.C., or another state to file or appeal a disability claim. The Roanoke office is the local processing center for VBA benefits, and benefit counselors are available to help with eligibility questions, document gathering, and paperwork.

Services Offered at the Roanoke Regional Office

• Disability compensation – service-connected disability claims, claim status checks, payment issue resolution, and direct deposit updates

• Education benefits – GI Bill applications, school and training program selection, and career counseling

• Loan guaranty – VA home loan Certificate of Eligibility (COE), housing grants for service-connected veterans, and loan-related assistance

• Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) – employment support, job training, and return-to-work services

• Life insurance – VA life insurance options, applications, and claims

• Homeless veteran resources – connections to health care, case management, and supportive services

Scheduling a Visit

Visitors seeking assistance from the Public Contact Team are encouraged to schedule a virtual or in-person appointment through the Visitor Engagement Reporting Application (VERA). VERA allows visitors to schedule, reschedule, and cancel appointments and provides email confirmation.

What to Bring

When visiting the Roanoke Regional Office, bring a current, unexpired photo ID. Depending on the reason for the visit, bring:

• A copy of discharge or separation papers (DD-214)

• Copies of relevant medical records

• Social Security number

• Direct deposit information

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

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Location and Hours

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Virginia Department of Veterans Services: State-Level Benefits Support

The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) operates benefits offices in both Roanoke and Lynchburg that assist veterans and family members in filing federal and state benefit claims. These are state offices, not VA facilities, and they complement the federal VA system.

Lynchburg DVS Benefits Office

The Lynchburg DVS Benefits Office is located at 519 Leesville Rd., Suite A, Lynchburg, VA 24502. The phone number is (434) 582-5102.

Roanoke DVS Benefits Office

The Roanoke DVS Benefits Office is located at 210 Franklin Rd., Suite 810, Roanoke, VA 24011. The phone number is (540) 982-2463 ext. 6547. This office is in the same building complex as the Roanoke VA Regional Benefit Office, making it convenient for veterans who need both federal and state assistance.

What Virginia DVS Offers

Virginia DVS benefits representatives assist veterans and family members in filing claims for federal veterans benefits, including disability compensation, pension, and survivor benefits. DVS also provides employment and transition assistance, health needs coordination, and interment assistance. The department operates 23 benefit services offices across Virginia.

Why it matters: Virginia DVS representatives can help veterans navigate both federal VA benefits and Virginia-specific programs, such as the Virginia Veterans Care Center in Roanoke (a 240-bed facility) and state veterans cemeteries.

VA Health Care Eligibility and Enrollment for Roanoke-Lynchburg Veterans

VA health care enrollment is required before a veteran can receive care at the Salem VA Medical Center or the Lynchburg VA Clinic. Eligibility is based on military service history, discharge character, disability rating, income, and other factors. Most veterans who served in the active military and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable are eligible for some level of VA health care.

Who Qualifies for VA Health Care

The following groups are generally eligible for VA health care:

• Service-connected veterans – veterans with a VA disability rating for a condition incurred or aggravated during military service.

• Former POWs – former prisoners of war.

• Veterans awarded the Purple Heart – recipients of the Purple Heart medal.

• Veterans who served in combat theaters – including those who served in the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, and other designated combat zones.

• Veterans exposed to toxic substances – including Agent Orange, burn pits, and other exposures recognized under the PACT Act.

• Veterans with income below VA thresholds – veterans who do not have a service-connected disability may qualify based on income and household size.

• Veterans receiving VA pension or disability compensation – these benefits are indicators of eligibility.

Enrollment Priority Groups

VA assigns veterans to priority groups (1 through 8) based on disability rating, income, and other factors. Veterans in higher priority groups (lower numbers) have greater access to care and lower copayments. Veterans in priority group 8 may face copayments and may be enrolled only when space and resources allow.

How to Apply for VA Health Care

Veterans can apply for VA health care using VA Form 10-10EZ (Application for Health Care Benefits). The application can be submitted online at VA.gov, by phone, by mail, or in person at a VA medical facility.

What to bring:

• Copies of the DD-214 or other discharge documents

• Copies of any VA disability award letters

• Income information from the previous calendar year (if you have a 0% VA disability rating or are a non-service-connected veteran)

• Copies of current ID cards for other health coverage (Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, or private insurance)

Where to apply in person: Veterans can submit completed applications at patient registration offices at the Salem VA Medical Center or the Lynchburg VA Clinic.

Enrollment and Eligibility Contacts

Veterans with questions about eligibility or enrollment can contact the Salem VA Health Care System’s enrollment and eligibility office at the main medical center number, 540-982-2463. The Lynchburg VA Clinic can be reached at 434-316-5000.

Disability Compensation and the Roanoke VA Regional Office

VA disability compensation is a monthly tax-free payment to veterans who have a condition that was incurred or aggravated during active military service. For veterans in Roanoke and Lynchburg, disability claims are processed through the Roanoke VA Regional Benefit Office.

What Disability Compensation Is

Disability compensation is paid to veterans with service-connected disabilities. Ratings range from 10% to 100%, with payments increasing based on the severity of the disability and the number of dependents. The payment is tax-free and is intended to compensate the veteran for the loss of earning capacity caused by the service-connected condition.

How to File a Disability Claim

Veterans can file a disability claim using VA Form 21-526EZ (Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits). The form can be submitted online through VA.gov or with the assistance of a VA-accredited representative at the Roanoke Regional Office or a Virginia DVS benefits office.

What to include:

• DD-214 or other discharge documents

• Medical records documenting the service-connected condition

• Statements from the veteran and others describing symptoms and their impact on daily life

• Any existing VA disability award letters

Claim Status and Appeals

Veterans can check the status of a disability claim by contacting the Roanoke Regional Office or by using VA’s online tools. If a claim is denied, veterans have one year from the decision date to choose a review option: supplemental claim, higher-level review, or Board appeal. The Roanoke office can help veterans understand the decision and choose the appropriate review lane.

Common Mistakes with Disability Claims

• Filing without medical evidence – a claim without medical records documenting the condition and its relationship to service is likely to be denied or delayed.

• Missing the appeal deadline – veterans have one year to appeal a decision; missing this deadline can affect the effective date of benefits.

• Not attending the C&P exam – the Compensation and Pension exam is a critical step in the claims process; missing it can result in denial.

• Assuming the Roanoke office decides all claims – while Roanoke processes Virginia claims, VA claims processing is largely centralized, and the assigned office is procedural rather than outcome-determinative.

Other VA Benefits Available to Roanoke-Lynchburg Veterans

Beyond health care and disability compensation, veterans in the Roanoke-Lynchburg region can access education benefits, home loans, life insurance, pension, and survivor benefits through the Roanoke VA Regional Benefit Office.

Education Benefits (GI Bill)

The GI Bill provides funding for college tuition, vocational training, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training. Veterans can apply through the Roanoke Regional Office or online at VA.gov. Benefit counselors can help veterans choose a school or training program and understand which GI Bill chapter applies to their service.

VA Home Loans

The VA Home Loan program helps eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses purchase, build, or refinance a home with no down payment and competitive terms. Veterans can request a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) through the Roanoke Regional Office or online. Veterans with service-connected disabilities may also be eligible for housing grants for home modifications.

VA Pension

VA pension is a needs-based benefit for wartime veterans with limited income who are permanently and totally disabled or age 65 or older. Pension applications can be filed through the Roanoke Regional Office or with the assistance of a Virginia DVS benefits representative.

Survivor Benefits

Surviving spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents of deceased veterans may be eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), survivors’ pension, and other benefits. The Roanoke Regional Office processes dependency and survivor claims for Virginia veterans.

Life Insurance

VA offers life insurance programs for veterans, including Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) and Service-Disabled Veterans’ Insurance (S-DVI). The Roanoke Regional Office can help veterans apply for coverage and file claims.

Comparison Table: Roanoke-Lynchburg VA Facilities at a Glance

Common Mistakes Veterans in Roanoke-Lynchburg Make

Mistake 1: Showing up at the Salem VA Medical Center without enrolling in VA health care.
Enrollment is required before appointments can be scheduled or care can be received. Veterans must submit VA Form 10-10EZ and be assigned to a priority group before using Salem VAMC or the Lynchburg clinic.

Mistake 2: Confusing the Roanoke Vet Center with the Salem VA Medical Center.
The Vet Center provides readjustment counseling in a non-medical setting and is separate from the medical center. Veterans seeking medical care, specialty referrals, or hospitalization need the Salem VA Medical Center, not the Vet Center.

Mistake 3: Filing a disability claim without a DD-214 or medical evidence.
The Roanoke Regional Office needs the DD-214 to verify service and medical records to evaluate the claim. Missing documents are a leading cause of delays and denials.

Mistake 4: Missing the one-year appeal deadline.
Veterans have one year from the date of a VA decision to request a supplemental claim, higher-level review, or Board appeal. Missing the deadline can affect the effective date of benefits.

Mistake 5: Assuming Virginia DVS and the VA are the same agency.
Virginia DVS is a state agency; the VA is a federal agency. DVS benefits offices in Roanoke and Lynchburg assist with claims, but final decisions on federal benefits are made by VA.

Mistake 6: Not scheduling a VERA appointment at the Roanoke Regional Office.
The Public Contact Team encourages virtual or in-person appointments through VERA to reduce wait times and ensure availability. Walk-in service may be limited.

Mistake 7: Overlooking the Lynchburg VA Clinic for routine care.
Veterans in Lynchburg do not need to travel to Salem for primary care, mental health counseling, lab work, or pharmacy services. The PFC Desmond T. Doss VA Clinic provides these services locally.

Appeals and Decision Reviews for VA Benefits

If VA denies a claim for disability compensation, pension, education benefits, or other benefits, the veteran has the right to request a decision review. The review process is administered by VA, and the Roanoke Regional Office can help veterans understand the options.

Three Review Options

1. Supplemental Claim – submit new and relevant evidence that was not part of the original claim. This is often the fastest option if the veteran has additional medical records or lay statements.

2. Higher-Level Review – request that a senior reviewer examine the decision for errors. No new evidence is considered in a higher-level review.

3. Board Appeal – appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. The veteran can request a direct review, a hearing with a Veterans Law Judge, or a hearing with a VA employee.

Deadline

Veterans generally must choose a review option within one year of the date of the decision notice to preserve the earliest possible effective date for benefits.

Getting Help with an Appeal

VA-accredited representatives, including those at Virginia DVS benefits offices in Roanoke and Lynchburg, can help veterans file appeals and gather evidence. The Roanoke Regional Office’s benefit counselors can also explain the review options and help veterans choose the appropriate lane.

What veterans should do next: If you receive a denial, read the decision letter carefully to understand the reason. Contact the Roanoke Regional Office or a Virginia DVS benefits representative before the one-year deadline to discuss the best review option for your case.

Common Questions

1. What VA facilities are in Roanoke and Lynchburg?

The region is served by the Salem VA Medical Center in Salem, the PFC Desmond T. Doss VA Clinic in Lynchburg, the Roanoke Vet Center in Roanoke, and the Roanoke VA Regional Benefit Office in downtown Roanoke. Virginia DVS benefits offices in Roanoke and Lynchburg provide state-level claims assistance.

2. Do I need to enroll in VA health care before using the Salem VA Medical Center?

Yes. Veterans must be enrolled in VA health care before they can schedule appointments or receive care at Salem VAMC or the Lynchburg VA Clinic. Enrollment is completed using VA Form 10-10EZ.

3. What is the difference between the Salem VA Medical Center and the Roanoke VA Regional Benefit Office?

Salem VA Medical Center provides health care (Veterans Health Administration). The Roanoke VA Regional Benefit Office processes disability compensation, pension, education, home loan, insurance, and survivor benefits (Veterans Benefits Administration). They are separate functions in separate locations.

4. How do I file a disability claim in Roanoke or Lynchburg?

File VA Form 21-526EZ online at VA.gov, or work with a VA-accredited representative at the Roanoke Regional Office or a Virginia DVS benefits office. Include your DD-214, medical records, and statements describing your symptoms and their impact on your life.

5. What services does the Lynchburg VA Clinic offer?

The PFC Desmond T. Doss VA Clinic offers primary care, mental health counseling, laboratory and pathology services, pharmacy services, and preventive health screenings. It does not provide inpatient care or complex specialty services, which are available at the Salem VA Medical Center.

6. Can I get mental health care at the Lynchburg VA Clinic without being enrolled in VA health care?

The Lynchburg clinic states that veterans may qualify for mental health care even without enrolling in VA health care, and same-day help is available for veterans in crisis. Veterans should contact the clinic directly at 434-316-5000 to confirm eligibility and availability.

7. What is the Roanoke Vet Center and who can use it?

The Roanoke Vet Center provides confidential readjustment counseling to veterans, service members, and families at no cost in a non-medical setting. It is separate from the medical center and is designed for veterans who served in combat zones or experienced military sexual trauma, as well as their families.

8. How do I schedule an appointment at the Roanoke Regional Benefit Office?

Schedule a virtual or in-person appointment through the Visitor Engagement Reporting Application (VERA). Bring a current photo ID, your DD-214, medical records, Social Security number, and direct deposit information.

9. Does Virginia DVS help with federal VA claims?

Yes. Virginia DVS benefits representatives assist veterans and family members in filing claims for federal veterans benefits, including disability compensation, pension, and survivor benefits. DVS offices are located in Roanoke and Lynchburg.

10. What should I do if my VA disability claim is denied?

You have one year from the decision date to choose a review option: supplemental claim, higher-level review, or Board appeal. Contact the Roanoke Regional Office or a Virginia DVS benefits representative to discuss which option fits your case.

11. Is the Salem VA Medical Center a teaching hospital?

Yes. Salem VA Medical Center is a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Virginia School of Medicine, the Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. It trains nursing students from multiple universities and hosts over 1,000 associate health and nursing trainees annually.

Key Takeaways

• The Salem VA Medical Center is the core VA hospital for Roanoke and Lynchburg, a 242-bed teaching hospital serving over 78,000 veterans across southwestern Virginia.

• The PFC Desmond T. Doss VA Clinic in Lynchburg provides local outpatient care, including primary care, mental health, lab, and pharmacy, reducing the need to travel to Salem for routine services.

• The Roanoke VA Regional Benefit Office processes disability compensation, pension, education, home loan, insurance, and survivor benefits for veterans across Virginia and the District of Columbia.

• The Roanoke Vet Center provides confidential readjustment counseling in a non-medical setting, with satellite access points in Lynchburg, Martinsville, and Covington.

• Virginia DVS benefits offices in Roanoke and Lynchburg provide state-level assistance with federal and state benefit claims, complementing the federal VA system.

• VA health care enrollment is required before using Salem VAMC or the Lynchburg clinic. Apply with VA Form 10-10EZ and bring your DD-214, income information, and insurance cards.

• Disability claims require medical evidence and a DD-214. Missing documents are a leading cause of delays and denials.

• Veterans have one year to appeal a VA decision. The three review options are supplemental claim, higher-level review, and Board appeal.

• Schedule a VERA appointment before visiting the Roanoke Regional Office to reduce wait times and ensure availability.

• Mental health care may be available at the Lynchburg clinic even without full VA health care enrollment, and same-day help is available for veterans in crisis.

Official Resources

• VA Salem Health Care System: https://www.va.gov/salem-health-care/

• Salem VA Medical Center – About Us: https://www.va.gov/salem-health-care/about-us/

• Salem VA Medical Center – Contact Us: https://www.va.gov/salem-health-care/contact-us/

• PFC Desmond T. Doss VA Clinic (Lynchburg): https://www.va.gov/salem-health-care/locations/private-first-class-desmond-t-doss-va-clinic/

• Roanoke Vet Center: https://www.va.gov/roanoke-vet-center/

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

• VA Health Care Enrollment (VA Form 10-10EZ): https://www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/

• VA Disability Compensation (VA Form 21-526EZ): https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/

• VA Decision Reviews and Appeals: https://www.va.gov/decision-reviews/

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

• Virginia DVS Benefits Offices: https://www.dvs.virginia.gov/benefits/

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