Veterans Administration Rochester MN
The VA Rochester Clinic in Minnesota is a Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) operating under the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. Located at 3551 Commercial Dr SW, Suite 400, Rochester, MN 55902, it provides primary care, mental health services, specialty care, and telehealth appointments to eligible veterans in southeastern Minnesota .
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | VA health care, benefits assistance, disability claims |
| Eligibility | Veterans with non-dishonorable discharge; enrollment in VA health care required |
| Application | Online at VA.gov, by phone, by mail, or in person |
| Processing Time | Varies by benefit; health care enrollment typically 1-2 weeks |
| Official Agency | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Minneapolis VA Health Care System |
| Required Forms | VA Form 10-10EZ (health care enrollment) |
| Updated For | 2026 |
VA Rochester Clinic: Location and Contact
The Rochester VA Clinic operates as a Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) within the Minneapolis VA Health Care System network. The clinic serves veterans in Dodge, Goodhue, Houston, Olmsted, Steele, Fillmore, Mower, Rice, Wabasha, Winona, and Freeborn counties in southeastern Minnesota .
Address and Phone
Rochester VA Clinic
3551 Commercial Dr SW, Suite 400
Rochester, MN 55902
Phone: (507) 252-0885
Hours of Operation
Monday through Friday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Parent Facility
The Rochester Clinic is part of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, which operates 15 locations across Minnesota and western Wisconsin, including the Minneapolis VA Medical Center and 13 community clinics .
Health Services at Rochester VA Clinic
The Rochester VA Clinic offers a range of outpatient services. Veterans must be enrolled in VA health care to receive treatment at this facility .
Primary Care
Primary care providers coordinate all aspects of your health care, including immunizations, labs, mental health referrals, women’s health, radiology, social services, and telehealth . Your primary care team serves as the central point for managing your overall health.
Mental Health Care
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityMental health services include evaluation, treatment, and counseling for conditions such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use disorders. Same-day help is available, and you may qualify even without full VA health care enrollment .
Specialty Services
Available specialty care at or through the Rochester Clinic includes:
Audiology — Hearing aids, tinnitus treatment, balance evaluations
Pulmonary Medicine — Asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, respiratory conditions
Physical Therapy — Pain relief, mobility training, aquatic therapy
Pharmacy — Prescription management, refills by phone or mail
Radiology — X-ray and ultrasound available at Rochester; other imaging through Minneapolis VA
Telehealth
VA telehealth allows you to receive care from home through video conferencing and remote monitoring. Telehealth is available for mental health, primary care, and certain specialty consultations .
Olmsted County Veterans Service Office
The Olmsted County Veterans Service Office provides free assistance to veterans and their families navigating federal, state, and local benefits. This is a separate organization from the VA clinic, though both serve Rochester-area veterans .
Location and Contact
Olmsted County Veteran Services
2100 Campus Drive SE, Suite 200
Rochester, MN 55904
Phone: 507-328-6355
Email: veteranservices@co.olmsted.mn.us
Hours
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Appointments: 8:30–10:30 AM and 1:30–3:30 PM, Monday–Thursday
Services Provided
The Olmsted County VSO assists with :
Disability compensation claims — Initial claims, appeals, and rating reviews
VA health care enrollment — Applications and priority group questions
DD-214 requests — Obtaining discharge papers
Education benefits — GI Bill and state education programs
Burial benefits — State Veterans Cemetery applications
Survivor benefits — Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
VA home loan certificates — Eligibility verification
Temporary financial assistance — State Soldiers Assistance Programs (SSAP)
Transportation — To and from VA-authorized appointments for eligible veterans
Walk-in services are available for simpler tasks like address updates, checking claim status, and dropping off paperwork. Appointments are recommended for complex claims and appeals .
VA Health Care Eligibility and Enrollment
To receive care at the Rochester VA Clinic, you must be enrolled in the VA health care system. Enrollment is free, and eligibility depends on your military service history and discharge status .
Who Qualifies
You may be eligible for VA health care if you :
Served in active military, naval, or air service, AND
Were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
National Guard and Reserve members may qualify if they were called to active duty by federal order (other than training only) and completed the full period of service .
How to Apply
There are four ways to apply for VA health care enrollment :
Online — Apply at VA.gov/health-care/how-to-apply
By phone — Call 1-877-222-VETS (8387), Monday–Friday, 8 AM–8 PM ET
By mail — Download VA Form 10-10EZ and mail to the appropriate VA office
In person — Visit any VA health care facility, including the Rochester Clinic
After you apply, VA verifies your eligibility and assigns you a Priority Group based on your service history, disability rating, and income .
Copayments
Copayments may apply for certain veterans based on income and Priority Group assignment. Veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 50% or higher generally have no copayments for VA care .
VA Benefits Available in Rochester
Disability Compensation
VA disability compensation is a tax-free monthly payment for veterans with service-connected injuries or illnesses. The Olmsted County VSO provides free assistance with initial claims, appeals, and rating increases .
To apply, submit VA Form 21-526EZ. The VSO can help gather evidence, including service treatment records and private medical records.
Pension Benefits
VA pension is a needs-based benefit for wartime veterans with limited income. Eligibility requires :
Wartime service
Non-dishonorable discharge
Income below VA limits
Age 65+ or permanently disabled
Education Benefits
The GI Bill and other VA education programs provide tuition assistance, housing allowances, and stipends. The Rochester VSO can explain eligibility and application procedures .
Survivor Benefits
Surviving spouses and dependents may qualify for:
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) — Monthly payments for survivors of veterans who died from service-connected causes
Survivors Pension — Needs-based income for low-income surviving spouses
Burial benefits — Headstones, markers, and cemetery allowances
Home Loan Benefits
VA-backed home loans offer competitive interest rates and no down payment requirements for eligible veterans. The VSO can help obtain your Certificate of Eligibility .
Mental Health Support in Rochester
PTSD Support Group
The Olmsted County Veterans Service Office facilitates a PTSD support group for veterans and their family members. The group is led by Jennifer Shumaker, a veteran and County Veterans Service Officer .
Location: 2775 43rd Street NW, Rochester, MN 55901
Schedule: Monthly on select dates, 6:30–8:00 PM
Contact: jennifer.shumaker@olmstedcounty.gov
This group is open to veterans diagnosed with PTSD, those experiencing symptoms, and family members. Additional topics include TBI, combat stress, and other mental health conditions .
Veterans Crisis Line
The Veterans Crisis Line provides free, confidential support 24/7. Call 988 and press 1, or text 838255. You do not need to be enrolled in VA health care to use this service .
How to Make an Appointment
To schedule, reschedule, or cancel an appointment at the Rochester VA Clinic :
Contact the clinic directly at (507) 252-0885
If a referral is required, contact your primary care provider first
For telehealth appointments, confirm technology requirements with your care team
Walk-in Services at Olmsted County VSO (no appointment needed) :
Obtaining DD-214
Income/rating verification letters
Address updates
Adding/removing dependents
Checking claim status
Home loan Certificate of Eligibility
Dropping off paperwork/evidence
Appointment-Required Services:
VA health care enrollment
Disability compensation/pension claims
Claim appeals
State subsistence and special needs grants
Burial benefits
Surviving spouse benefits (DIC)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Going to the Clinic Without Enrollment
The Rochester VA Clinic cannot provide treatment unless you are enrolled in VA health care. If you are not enrolled, apply first through VA.gov or the Olmsted County VSO .
Mistake 2: Confusing the VA Clinic with the County VSO
These are two different organizations. The VA Clinic provides medical care. The County VSO provides benefits assistance, claims help, and financial aid navigation. Veterans often need both .
Mistake 3: Not Using the County VSO for Claims
VA disability claims are complex. The Olmsted County VSO provides free, accredited representation that can improve your chances of a favorable decision. There is no cost to use this service .
Mistake 4: Missing the 180-Day Rule for Guard/Reserve
National Guard and Reserve members must have served more than 180 days on active federal orders (not training only) to qualify for VA health care. Check your orders carefully .
Mistake 5: Assuming Mayo Clinic Is the VA
Mayo Clinic Rochester is a world-class private hospital, but it is not the VA. While some veterans may receive care at Mayo through VA Community Care referrals, the VA clinic at 3551 Commercial Dr SW is the primary VA facility in Rochester .
Common Questions
Does Rochester MN have a VA hospital?
No. Rochester has a VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), not a full hospital. The clinic provides primary care, mental health, and specialty services. Inpatient and surgical care is available at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center .
What is the phone number for the Rochester VA Clinic?
The Rochester VA Clinic phone number is (507) 252-0885. Hours are Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–4:30 PM .
Where is the Rochester VA Clinic located?
The clinic is at 3551 Commercial Dr SW, Suite 400, Rochester, MN 55902 .
What services does the Rochester VA Clinic offer?
Services include primary care, mental health, audiology, pulmonary medicine, physical therapy, pharmacy, radiology (X-ray/ultrasound), and telehealth .
How do I enroll in VA health care in Rochester?
Apply online at VA.gov, call 1-877-222-VETS (8387), mail VA Form 10-10EZ, or visit the Rochester Clinic in person. The Olmsted County VSO also provides free application assistance .
What is the Olmsted County Veterans Service Office?
It is a free county agency that helps veterans apply for VA disability, pension, education, burial, and survivor benefits. Located at 2100 Campus Drive SE, Suite 200, Rochester .
Does the Olmsted County VSO charge for assistance?
No. All services provided by the Olmsted County Veterans Service Office are free of charge .
Is there a PTSD support group in Rochester?
Yes. The Olmsted County VSO hosts a monthly PTSD support group for veterans and family members. Contact jennifer.shumaker@olmstedcounty.gov for dates and details .
Can I get a DD-214 from the Rochester VSO?
Yes. Obtaining DD-214 discharge papers is a walk-in service available at the Olmsted County Veterans Service Office .
What VA forms do I need for health care enrollment?
VA Form 10-10EZ (Application for Health Benefits) is the primary form. You can complete it online, by mail, or with VSO assistance .
Does the Rochester VA Clinic offer telehealth?
Yes. Telehealth is available for mental health, primary care, and certain specialty appointments. Contact your provider to determine if telehealth is appropriate .
What counties does the Rochester VA Clinic serve?
The clinic serves southeastern Minnesota, including Dodge, Goodhue, Houston, Olmsted, Steele, Fillmore, Mower, Rice, Wabasha, Winona, and Freeborn counties .
How do I transfer my VA care to Rochester?
Contact the Minneapolis VA Health Care System or speak with your current VA provider to request a transfer. Enrollment in VA health care is required .
Is there transportation to VA appointments in Rochester?
The Olmsted County VSO may provide transportation to VA-authorized appointments for ambulatory veterans who lack other means due to financial or medical hardship. Call 507-328-6355 for information .
Key Takeaways
Rochester VA Clinic is a Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) under the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, located at 3551 Commercial Dr SW, Suite 400
Services include primary care, mental health, audiology, pulmonary, physical therapy, pharmacy, and telehealth
Enrollment required — You must be enrolled in VA health care to receive treatment at the clinic
Olmsted County VSO provides free benefits assistance at 2100 Campus Drive SE, Suite 200
VSO services include disability claims, appeals, education benefits, burial benefits, survivor benefits, and DD-214 requests
PTSD support group meets monthly in Rochester, facilitated by a veteran VSO
Apply for VA health care online at VA.gov, by phone at 1-877-222-VETS, or in person
Walk-in services at the VSO include address updates, claim status checks, and document drop-offs
No VA hospital in Rochester — inpatient care is at Minneapolis VA Medical Center
Veterans Crisis Line — Call 988, press 1, available 24/7
Official Resources
Minneapolis VA Health Care System — va.gov/minneapolis-health-care
Rochester VA Clinic — va.gov/minneapolis-health-care/locations/rochester-va-clinic
Olmsted County Veteran Services — olmstedcounty.gov (search “veteran”)
VA Health Care Enrollment — va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply
VA Benefits Administration — benefits.va.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.
