San Diego Veteran Resources Near Me
Your Complete Guide to Veteran Resources in San Diego County
San Diego County is home to over 189,000 veterans, making it the county with the third highest population of veterans in the nation . With approximately 115,000 active-duty military personnel, the region also has the largest concentration of military members of any county in the United States. This guide connects you to comprehensive veteran resources across San Diego, including healthcare, benefits assistance, employment support, housing help, counseling services, and more.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| VA Medical Center | Jennifer Moreno VA Medical Center, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92161 |
| VA Regional Benefit Office | 8620 Spectrum Center Blvd, San Diego, CA |
| County Veterans Office | OMVA Headquarters, 5055 Ruffin Road, San Diego, CA 92123 |
| Veteran Population | 189,000+ in San Diego County |
| VA Healthcare Enrollees | ~88,641 served, available to ~231,083 in area |
| Vet Centers | Chula Vista, San Diego, San Marcos |
| VA Medical Center Beds | 296 authorized beds |
Healthcare Resources for San Diego Veterans
VA San Diego Healthcare System
The VA San Diego Healthcare System provides comprehensive healthcare services to veterans at multiple locations throughout San Diego County .
What it is: The VA San Diego Healthcare System is a network of medical facilities, including the Jennifer Moreno VA Medical Center (named after U.S. Army Capt. Jennifer Moreno, a San Diego native and Army nurse) and community-based outpatient clinics in Chula Vista, Escondido, El Centro, Kearny Mesa, Oceanside, and Sorrento Valley .
Who qualifies: Veterans who served in active military service and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. You can apply for VA healthcare at any time.
Why it matters: The system serves the healthcare needs of about 88,641 veterans in San Diego and Imperial counties . Services are available to more than 231,083 veterans who live in the area. The medical center is a teaching hospital affiliated with UC San Diego School of Medicine and provides a full range of health services with state-of-the-art technology .
What veterans should do next: Call the VA San Diego Healthcare System at 858-552-8585 (toll-free: 877-222-8387) to enroll or schedule an appointment . You can also apply online through VA.gov.
Jennifer Moreno VA Medical Center
What it is: The main VA hospital in San Diego, located at 3350 La Jolla Village Drive .
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityServices offered:
Primary care
Mental health services
Addiction and substance use treatment
Residential rehabilitation programs
Physical medicine and rehabilitation
Prosthetic services
Pharmacy services
Laboratory and pathology services
Chaplain services
Women’s health services
LGBTQA+ veteran care
Contact: 858-552-8585
Community-Based Outpatient Clinics
The VA operates several clinics across San Diego County to make care more accessible:
| Clinic Location | Services Available |
|---|---|
| Chula Vista | Primary care, mental health |
| Escondido | Primary care, mental health |
| El Centro | Primary care, mental health |
| Kearny Mesa | Primary care, mental health, substance use care |
| Oceanside | Primary care, mental health |
| Sorrento Valley | Primary care, mental health |
San Diego Vet Center
What it is: A community-based counseling center providing confidential help for veterans, service members, and their families at no cost in a non-medical setting .
Services offered:
Counseling for depression, PTSD, and other mental health issues
Military sexual trauma (MST) counseling
Relationship and family counseling
Bereavement counseling
Anger management groups
Trauma processing groups
Referrals to additional VA resources
Location: 2790 Truxtun Road, Suite 130, San Diego, CA 92106
Phone: 877-927-8387 (24/7 call center)
Key eligibility note: You do not need to be registered for VA care, have a service-connected disability rating, or be receiving any other VA benefits to use Vet Center services .
Benefits Assistance and VA Claims
VA San Diego Regional Benefit Office
What it is: The VA Regional Benefit Office in San Diego provides in-person assistance with VA benefits, claims, and applications .
Services provided:
Help understanding eligibility for VA benefits
Assistance gathering required documents
Help filling out VA forms
Claim status checks
Direct deposit updates
Burial benefits applications
Survivor compensation claims
DD214 and military records requests
Location: 8620 Spectrum Center Blvd, San Diego, CA
Contact: 800-827-1000 (VA benefits hotline)
San Diego County Office of Military and Veterans Affairs (OMVA)
What it is: The County’s Office of Military and Veterans Affairs has served veterans since 1974, providing direct support to the second-largest veteran population in California .
Services include:
VA disability claim filing assistance
Veterans license plates and driver’s license designations
College tuition fee waivers
Property tax reductions
Connections to other services and programs
Benefit counseling
Contact: 1-866-726-8831
Locations:
OMVA Headquarters: 5055 Ruffin Road, San Diego, CA 92123 (8AM-5PM M-F)
North Inland Military & Veterans Resource Center: 649 W. Mission Avenue, Escondido, CA 92025
South Region Military & Veterans Resource Center: 401 Mile of Cars Way, 2nd Floor, National City, CA 91950
North Coastal Military & Veterans Resource Center: 3708 Ocean Ranch Blvd, Oceanside, CA 92056
Virtual services: OMVA provides virtual support through Vet Connect at libraries in Borrego Springs, Julian, Bonita-Sunnyside, Alpine, Imperial Beach, Lakeside, Poway, and Valley Center. Call 858-694-3222 to schedule an appointment .
Impact: In the last year, OMVA had more than 70,000 contacts with veterans and their families, answered more than 35,000 calls, and handled over 20,000 in-person visits .
Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) at the Regional Office
The San Diego VA Regional Office hosts multiple accredited Veterans Service Organizations on the 7th floor to help veterans file claims and appeals :
American Legion – Suite 788
AMVETS – Suite 718
California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) – Suite 723
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) – Suite 721
Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) – Suite 716
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) – Suite 714
What it matters: These organizations provide free, accredited representation for veterans navigating the VA claims and appeals process. They understand the system and can help veterans avoid common mistakes that lead to denials or delays.
National Association for Black Veterans (NABVETS) – San Diego Chapter
What it is: A San Diego chapter of NABVETS that helps veterans navigate VA benefits and claims, with a focus on serving Black veterans .
Why it matters: The organization was founded during a time when African American veterans experienced significant exclusion from receiving support. NABVETS helps address systemic barriers and provides a vital space for discussions about mental health and trauma related to military service .
What they do: Help veterans file claims, appeal denials, and increase disability ratings. Many veterans who were told “no” at the VA receive successful claim increases through NABVETS support .
Employment Resources for Veterans
San Diego Workforce Partnership – Veteran Career Services
What it is: Free career services for veterans and eligible spouses through the San Diego Workforce Partnership .
Who qualifies:
Veterans discharged after active duty (other than dishonorable)
Veterans discharged due to a service-connected disability
Reservists called to active duty during a war or campaign
Eligible spouses, including Gold Star spouses
Spouses of veterans with a service-connected total disability
Services include:
Priority service for veterans and eligible spouses
Early access to job postings (24 hours before the public)
Priority resume placement ahead of non-veterans
Resume and interview preparation
Career coaching (one-on-one)
Training programs in healthcare, tech, construction, and more
Job placement support with veteran-friendly employers
Career Center Locations:
| Center | Address |
|---|---|
| South Bay Career Center | 333 H Street, Suite #1055, Chula Vista, CA 91910 |
| East County Career Center | 151 Van Houten Ave., El Cajon, CA 92020 |
| Metro Career Center | 4389 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA 92113 |
| North County Coastal Career Center | 3708 Ocean Ranch Blvd., Oceanside, CA 92056 |
Key note: Walk-ins welcome. Identify yourself as a veteran or eligible spouse to receive priority service .
City of San Diego – SkillBridge Program
What it is: The City of San Diego has been approved as a U.S. Department of Defense SkillBridge provider, creating a pathway for transitioning service members to enter City employment .
Who qualifies: Active-duty service members in their final six months of military service.
What it offers:
Hands-on experience with the City of San Diego
Internships, apprenticeships, and job training
Practical skills development
Industry insights and networking opportunities
Direct pathway to City employment
Why it matters: SkillBridge helps service members prepare for civilian employment while still on active duty, reducing stress and improving financial and mental health outcomes .
What veterans should do: Contact the City of San Diego’s veteran engagement coordinator or visit the City’s website to learn about SkillBridge opportunities.
Mayor’s Executive Order on Hiring Veterans
In November 2024, Mayor Todd Gloria signed an executive order committing the City of San Diego to hiring transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses .
City of San Diego veteran initiatives include:
16-member Advisory Council of veterans and military spouses
Partnership with Wounded Warrior Project for veteran engagement coordinator
Tracking veteran hiring at the City
City of San Diego Veteran Association
Annual appreciation breakfast for veteran employees
Veteran Employment Support Partners
The San Diego Workforce Partnership collaborates with multiple organizations serving veterans :
Zero8hundred – A one-stop resource hub for transitioning service members and their spouses
Wounded Warrior Project – Warriors to Work – Resume help, interview prep, and job leads
Support The Enlisted Project (STEP) – Financial self-sufficiency for junior enlisted and recently discharged veterans
CalVet – California Department of Veterans Affairs employment benefits and resources
Housing and Homelessness Resources
Homelessness Prevention Landlord Incentive Program
What it is: A $1.67 million state-funded program administered by San Diego County that provides direct payments to landlords to lower rental costs for veterans .
Who qualifies: Veterans experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness who qualify for the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) program.
How it works:
Veteran applies for assistance through the VA
Qualifying veterans are referred to the County Housing Authority
County issues a VASH voucher (rental assistance)
Veteran searches for housing on the open market
VA case manager provides ongoing support
Assistance is paid directly to landlords
Impact: In 2025, the county invested $683,900 in landlord incentives, helping secure housing for 243 veterans .
VA San Diego Homeless Programs
What it is: VA San Diego operates homeless programs as part of the largest integrated network of homeless assistance in the country .
Services include:
Emergency housing
Transitional housing
Case management
Linkages to VA and community resources
Contact: VA San Diego Homeless Coordinator at the Mission Valley Outpatient Clinic – 8810 Rio San Diego Dr., Ste. 2200, San Diego, CA 92120. Phone: 619-400-5167 .
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans: 1-877-4AID VET (1-877-424-3838) – 24/7 support .
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
What it is: A program providing financial assistance and case management to help veterans find and stay in permanent housing.
Services include:
Rental assistance
Financial assistance
Case management
Connections to benefits and resources
Help with housing search and landlord negotiations
San Diego partner: Veterans Community Services, a division of Community Catalysts of California, administers SSVF programs in San Diego .
Stand Down Event
What it is: The region’s largest annual event for unhoused veterans, organized by Veteran’s Village of San Diego and supported by the County’s Office of Military and Veterans Affairs .
Services offered:
Housing resources
County services
Landlord Hub to connect voucher-holding veterans with housing
Mental Health and Crisis Services
Veterans Crisis Line
What it is: Free, confidential crisis support available 24/7 for veterans and their loved ones .
Who qualifies: Any veteran, service member, or their family and friends.
Contact:
Phone: 1-800-273-8255 (PRESS 1)
Text: 838255
Online chat: VeteransCrisisLine.net
Why it matters: Trained responders, many of whom are veterans themselves, understand what veterans face and provide immediate support .
VA San Diego Mental Health Services
Services available:
PTSD counseling and treatment
Depression and anxiety treatment
Addiction and substance use treatment
Anger management
Military sexual trauma (MST) counseling
Grief and bereavement counseling
Trauma-focused therapies including EMDR
Same-day help: All VA healthcare facilities offer same-day mental health services. You may qualify even without enrolling in VA healthcare .
Contact: VA San Diego Mental Health – 858-552-8585
Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Services
What it is: Counseling and treatment for veterans who experienced sexual assault or harassment during military service .
Who qualifies: Any veteran or service member, including Guard and Reserve, from any service era .
Services include:
Counseling
Psychiatric care
Walk-in care
Group therapy
Individual therapy
Trauma-informed care
Why it matters: MST can happen to anyone, regardless of gender. VA provides confidential, judgment-free care .
Contact: MST Coordinator at VA San Diego – 858-642-1662
Community Resources and Nonprofits
Veteran Sailing
What it is: A San Diego nonprofit providing therapeutic sailing experiences for veterans and active-duty service members .
Why it matters: Veterans report sailing as one of the most therapeutic experiences after service—”being out on the water, once you leave the dock, just the noise of the world goes away” .
What they offer:
Weekly sailing events
Sailing certifications
Community building with other veterans
Connection with nature
Support from partners like Veterans Thrift Store
How to connect: Visit Veteran Sailing’s website or contact them through their Harbor Island location.
Veterans Thrift Store
What it is: A San Diego thrift store supporting local veterans and veteran organizations.
How they help: Supports organizations like Veteran Sailing, helping them expand from monthly to weekly programming for veterans .
Foundation for Women Warriors
What it is: An organization serving women veterans and their families.
Services: Community partnerships, veteran support, and advocacy. They supported the City’s SkillBridge program development .
Support The Enlisted Project (STEP)
What it is: An organization that builds financial self-sufficiency for junior enlisted service members, recently discharged veterans, and their families .
Services include: Financial education, career resources, and connections to benefits.
Education Resources
GI Bill and Education Benefits
What it is: Federal education benefits for veterans and service members.
Who qualifies: Veterans who served on active duty and met minimum service requirements, and certain Guard and Reserve members.
How to apply: Apply online at VA.gov or visit the VA San Diego Regional Benefit Office for in-person assistance.
CalVet College Fee Waivers
What it is: California state benefits providing tuition waivers at California state colleges and universities for dependents of veterans .
Who qualifies: Dependents of veterans with service-connected disabilities, veterans who died in service, or veterans who are prisoners of war.
How to apply: Contact the County OMVA or your school’s veterans office.
Common Questions
1. Where is the nearest VA medical center in San Diego?
The main VA medical center is the Jennifer Moreno VA Medical Center at 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92161 . Additional clinics are located in Chula Vista, Escondido, El Centro, Kearny Mesa, Oceanside, and Sorrento Valley .
2. How do I apply for VA benefits in San Diego?
You can apply online at VA.gov, visit the San Diego VA Regional Benefit Office at 8620 Spectrum Center Blvd, or contact the County OMVA at 1-866-726-8831 for in-person assistance .
3. Where can I get free help with my VA claim in San Diego?
Free help is available through Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) on the 7th floor of the VA Regional Office, including the American Legion, DAV, VFW, and AMVETS . The County OMVA also provides claim assistance .
4. What are the VA clinic locations in San Diego?
VA clinics are located in Chula Vista, Escondido, El Centro, Kearny Mesa, Oceanside, and Sorrento Valley . The main hospital is the Jennifer Moreno VA Medical Center in La Jolla.
5. Does the VA in San Diego offer mental health services?
Yes, all VA San Diego facilities offer mental health services with same-day help available . Services include PTSD treatment, MST counseling, addiction treatment, and individual/group therapy. Contact the main VA at 858-552-8585.
6. What is the San Diego Vet Center?
The San Diego Vet Center provides free, confidential counseling for veterans and service members in a non-medical setting. Services include PTSD counseling, MST support, couples counseling, and bereavement services. Located at 2790 Truxtun Road, Suite 130 .
7. How do I get a VASH voucher in San Diego?
Apply for assistance through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. If you qualify, you’ll be referred to San Diego County’s Housing Authority, which issues the VASH voucher for rental assistance .
8. Where can I find veteran employment resources in San Diego?
The San Diego Workforce Partnership offers free career services at career centers in Chula Vista, El Cajon, San Diego, and Oceanside . Veterans and eligible spouses receive priority service. Call or walk in to any location.
9. Is there a county veterans office in San Diego?
Yes, the San Diego County Office of Military and Veterans Affairs (OMVA) is located at 5055 Ruffin Road, San Diego, CA 92123, with additional resource centers in Escondido, National City, and Oceanside. Call 1-866-726-8831 .
10. What veteran services are near me in North County San Diego?
North County veterans can access the VA clinic in Oceanside, the North Coastal Career Center at 3708 Ocean Ranch Blvd, the North Coastal Military & Veterans Resource Center (same address), and the San Marcos Vet Center .
11. Where can I find help with veteran homelessness in San Diego?
Contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-4AID VET (424-3838) . The VA San Diego Homeless Coordinator can be reached at 619-400-5167. The County also has housing programs and the annual Stand Down event .
12. Are there veteran support groups in San Diego?
Yes, Vet Centers offer group counseling including combat veterans groups, processing trauma groups, and anger management groups . NABVETS and other VSOs also provide peer support .
13. Does San Diego have resources for Black veterans?
Yes, the San Diego chapter of the National Association for Black Veterans (NABVETS) helps Black veterans navigate VA benefits and provides a supportive community . Contact them through their San Diego chapter.
14. How do I get veteran-specific job training in San Diego?
The San Diego Workforce Partnership offers free training programs in healthcare, tech, construction, and other fields . Contact a career center to get started. The City of San Diego also offers SkillBridge internships .
15. What is the Jennifer Moreno VA Medical Center?
It’s the main VA hospital in San Diego, named after U.S. Army Capt. Jennifer Moreno, a San Diego native and Army nurse who died in service. The hospital is a teaching hospital affiliated with UC San Diego and serves veterans across San Diego and Imperial counties .
16. How many veterans live in San Diego County?
San Diego County is home to more than 189,000 veterans, making it the county with the third-highest veteran population in the nation. The county also has the largest concentration of active-duty military personnel in the U.S., with approximately 115,000 service members .
17. What is the VA San Diego Domiciliary?
The VA San Diego Domiciliary provides residential care for veterans needing extended care and rehabilitation for recovery, health maintenance, and improved quality of life .
18. Can military spouses get veteran resources in San Diego?
Yes, military spouses are eligible for services through the San Diego Workforce Partnership (priority service), Vet Centers, and various nonprofit organizations. The City of San Diego also actively hires military spouses .
Key Takeaways
San Diego has over 189,000 veterans—the third-largest veteran population of any U.S. county
The Jennifer Moreno VA Medical Center is the main VA hospital, with clinics in Chula Vista, Escondido, El Centro, Kearny Mesa, Oceanside, and Sorrento Valley
County OMVA provides free benefits assistance at multiple locations and virtually—call 1-866-726-8831
Free veteran career services with priority treatment are available at San Diego Workforce Partnership career centers in Chula Vista, El Cajon, San Diego, and Oceanside
Mental health and crisis services are available 24/7—call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 (PRESS 1)
Housing assistance is available through VASH vouchers and the landlord incentive program
Vet Centers provide free, confidential counseling—no VA enrollment required
Veterans Service Organizations at the VA Regional Office provide free claims assistance
The City of San Diego offers SkillBridge internships and prioritizes veteran hiring
San Diego has numerous veteran-serving nonprofits including Veteran Sailing, NABVETS, STEP, and Foundation for Women Warriors
Official Resources
VA San Diego Healthcare System – www.va.gov/san-diego-health-care – Main VA hospital and clinic locations – 858-552-8585
VA San Diego Regional Benefit Office – www.va.gov/san-diego-va-regional-benefit-office – Benefits and claims assistance – 800-827-1000
San Diego Vet Center – 2790 Truxtun Road, Suite 130, San Diego – 877-927-8387 – Free confidential counseling
San Diego County Office of Military & Veterans Affairs – omva.sdcounty.ca.gov – 1-866-726-8831 – County veterans services
San Diego Workforce Partnership – workforce.org – Free veteran career services – Visit any career center
Veterans Crisis Line – VeteransCrisisLine.net – 1-800-273-8255 (PRESS 1) or text 838255 – 24/7 crisis support
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans – 1-877-4AID VET (424-3838) – 24/7 homeless assistance
VA.gov – www.va.gov – Official U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website – Apply for benefits online
USAJOBS.gov – www.usajobs.gov – Federal government employment opportunities for veterans
🇺🇸 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.
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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.
