Wichita VA Medical Center: Services, Hours, and How to Apply

Veterans Benefits Guide for Wichita, KS Veterans

Veterans in Wichita, Kansas access federal VA benefits through the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center and Wichita VA Regional Benefit Office, plus state benefits through the Kansas Office of Veterans Services and Sedgwick County Veterans Service Office. Free claims assistance is available locally.

Quick Facts

VA Healthcare in Wichita

Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center

The Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center is the primary VA healthcare facility for veterans in Wichita and surrounding areas. It is a full-service medical center offering primary care, specialty care, mental health services, and emergency care.

Location and Contact:

• Address: 5500 East Kellogg Drive, Wichita, KS 67218-1607

• Main Phone: 316-685-2221

• VA Health Connect: Available through the main line

• Mental Health Care: Available through the main line

• Emergency Services: Available 24/7

Hours of Operation:

Hours may vary for different services. Contact the facility directly to confirm hours for specific clinics.

Services Offered at Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center

The Dole VA Medical Center offers a comprehensive range of health services for eligible veterans.

Primary Care Services:

• Routine physical exams

• Preventive care

• Management of chronic conditions

• Health screenings

• Immunizations

Mental Health Services:

• Individual therapy

• Group therapy

• Psychiatry

• Clinical psychology

• Substance use counseling

• PTSD treatment

Specialty Services:

• Cancer care/oncology

• Cardiology

• Audiology and speech

• Weight management services

• Whole health care

• Women’s health care

• Prescriptions

• Physical therapy

• Laboratory services

Emergency Services:

• 24/7 emergency care available at the Dole VA Medical Center

Caregiver Support:

• Support services for caregivers of eligible veterans

Sedgwick County VA Clinic

The Sedgwick County VA Clinic is a Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) that provides primary care and specialty services in a more convenient location for veterans in the Wichita area.

Location and Contact:

• Address: 949 South Parklane, Wichita, KS 67218 (Parklane Shopping Center)

• Main Phone: 316-685-2221

• Hours: Monday–Friday

Services Offered:

• Primary care

• Mental health care

• Specialty care referrals

• Laboratory services

• Pharmacy services

Van Services:

DAV vans provide free transportation to and from VA medical appointments for veterans and authorized caregivers. Individual van schedules vary.

How to Enroll for VA Healthcare in Wichita

You must be enrolled in VA healthcare before you can make appointments and receive care at VA facilities in Wichita.

Eligibility for VA Healthcare:

You may qualify for VA healthcare if you:

• Served in the active military, naval, or air service

• Were separated under any condition other than dishonorable

• Are a current or former member of the Reserves or National Guard who was called to active duty (other than for training only) by a federal order and completed the full period for which you were called or ordered to active duty

How to Apply:

Option 1: Apply Online
Complete VA Form 10-10EZ (Application for Health Benefits) at VA.gov/health-care/apply.

Option 2: Apply by Phone
Call 877-222-8387 (VETS).

Option 3: Apply in Person
Visit the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center at 5500 East Kellogg Drive, Wichita, KS 67218.

Documents to Bring:

• DD-214 or other discharge documents

• VA disability award letters (if applicable)

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

• Current health insurance cards (Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, or private insurance)

• Social Security number

• Direct deposit information

Wichita Vet Center

The Wichita Vet Center provides confidential counseling and support services in a non-medical setting. You do not need to be enrolled in VA healthcare or have a service-connected disability rating to use Vet Center services.

Location and Contact:

• Address: 393 North McLean Blvd., Wichita, KS 67203

• Main Phone: 316-648-5928

• Fax: 316-265-0190

• 24/7 Call Center: 877-927-8387

Hours of Operation:

Call for specific appointment availability.

Services Offered at Wichita Vet Center

Counseling Services:

• Individual counseling

• Couples and family counseling

• Group counseling

• Grief and bereavement counseling

• PTSD treatment

• Military sexual trauma (MST) counseling

• Depression counseling

• Readjustment counseling

Referral and Support Services:

• Medical referrals

• Assistance in applying for VA benefits

• Employment and career counseling

• Alcohol and drug assessments

• Community education

• Information and referral services

Who Qualifies:

• Veterans

• Active-duty service members

• National Guard and Reserve members

• Family members of veterans

What to Bring on First Visit:

• Discharge documents (DD-214) or Active Military ID

• Deployment orders

• Receipt of certain awards

• Other documents that show qualifying military service

If you don’t have these documents on hand, the Vet Center can work with you to establish your eligibility.

Sedgwick County Veterans Service Office

The Sedgwick County Veterans Service Office provides free assistance to veterans and their families in obtaining federal, state, and local benefits.

Location and Contact:

• Address: 525 N Main St, Wichita, KS 67203

• Main Phone: 316-660-9430

Services Offered:

• Claims assistance (VA disability compensation)

• Benefits information

• Appeals help

• Healthcare enrollment assistance

• Education benefits assistance

• State of Kansas veterans’ benefits

• DD-214 requests

• Survivor benefits

Why It Matters:

County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs) provide the expertise and advocacy that veterans need to optimize access to benefit programs. Veterans who work with VSOs have higher success rates on claims.

Wichita VA Regional Benefit Office

The Wichita VA Regional Benefit Office is the federal benefits administration office that serves veterans in Kansas. It handles disability compensation claims, pension benefits, education benefits, and vocational rehabilitation.

Location and Contact:

• Address: 9111 E. Douglas Ave, Suite 200, Wichita, KS 67207

• Main Phone: 1-800-827-1000

• Location Note: Located in the east Ruffin Building. Parking is free and limited accessible parking is available.

Hours of Operation:

Services Offered:

• Disability compensation claims processing

• VA pension

• Education benefits (GI Bill)

• Vocational rehabilitation (VR&E)

• Home loan guaranty

• Insurance claims

• Survivor benefits

• VA accredited representatives

Appointments:

Visitors are encouraged to schedule a virtual or in-person appointment using the Visitor Engagement Reporting Application (VERA). VERA allows visitors to schedule, reschedule, and cancel appointments online.

What to Bring:

• Current, unexpired photo ID

• DD-214 or discharge papers

• Social Security number

• Direct deposit information

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

• Copies of relevant medical records

Transit Access:

The nearest Wichita Transit stop to the Ruffin Building/Wichita Regional Office is route 27.

Kansas State Veterans Benefits

Kansas Office of Veterans Services (KOVS)

The Kansas Office of Veterans Services (KOVS) provides Kansas veterans and their families with advice and assistance in obtaining benefits and services intended to improve quality of life.

Services:

• Veterans Claims Assistance Program (VCAP)

• State Veterans’ Homes (Fort Dodge and Winfield)

• State Veterans’ Cemeteries (Fort Dodge, WaKeeney, Winfield, and Fort Riley)

• KanVet website (veteran-specific resources)

Central Office Contact:

• Phone: 785-296-3976 or 800-513-7731

• Online: KOVS online contact form

Veterans Claims Assistance Program (VCAP):

KOVS administers the VCAP, which provides grants to veterans service organizations for training claims assistance representatives. Accredited representatives may assist veterans in completing applications or claims for federal benefits. The 2024 Kansas Legislature appropriated $1.0 million for the VCAP service grant.

Impact:

In SFY 2023, the Veteran Services Program assisted in submitting over 14,750 claims for benefits to the VA, resulting in more than $275.0 million in federal benefits paid to Kansas veterans and their families.

Kansas Veterans’ Valor Property Tax Relief Act

The Veterans’ Valor Property Tax Relief Act (SB 434) creates a property tax credit for eligible Kansas veterans beginning in tax year 2026.

2026 Credit Structure:

Who Qualifies:

• Residents of Kansas

• Honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions from active service in any branch of the U.S. armed forces

How to Apply:

The credit is claimed against Kansas income tax liability. Claimants will file Form K-40SVR (Tax Relief Claim for Seniors and Disabled Veterans). The first eligible filing period is January 1, 2027 through April 15, 2027, using a base year of 2025.

Important Update:

Legislation passed in 2026 repealed a sales tax exemption for certain disabled veterans scheduled to take effect July 1, 2026. The sales tax exemption was limited to purchases not exceeding $24,000 per calendar year.

Kansas Disabled Veterans Sales Tax Exemption

Effective July 1, 2026, Kansas law provides a sales tax exemption on qualifying purchases for disabled veterans who meet certain qualifications.

2026 Exemption Details:

Documents Required:

You will need to provide at least two documents:

• One for veteran status (DD-214 Member Copy 4)

• One for disability level (VA Award Letter or VA Benefit Summary Letter)

Note: This exemption was subject to legislative changes in 2026. Veterans should verify current status before making purchases.

Kansas National Guard Educational Assistance Act

The Kansas National Guard Educational Assistance Act provides payment of tuition and fees for eligible members of the Kansas National Guard or an eligible dependent of such guard members.

2026 Benefit Details:

EMERGE Program:

The Kansas National Guard Educational Master’s for Enhanced Readiness and Global Excellence (EMERGE) program provides tuition assistance for graduate studies.

Who Qualifies:

• Current member of the Kansas National Guard

• Must hold a high school diploma or high school equivalency credential

• Must be enrolled at a Kansas educational institution

How to Apply:

Contact the Kansas National Guard education office or the Kansas Board of Regents for application information.

Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Kansas Veterans

Kansas offers free or reduced-cost hunting and fishing licenses for disabled veterans.

Eligibility:

• Veterans with a 50% or higher service-connected disability rating

• Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating

How to Apply:

Contact the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks or the Kansas Office of Veterans Services for application information. You will need documentation of your VA disability rating.

Kansas Veterans’ Homes

Kansas operates two State Veterans’ Homes that provide long-term and domiciliary care to veterans.

Locations:

New Home Under Construction:

The 2023 Kansas Legislature appropriated $17.2 million from the State Institutions Building Fund for the construction of a third veterans’ home to be located adjacent to the Colmery O’Neil Medical Center in Topeka, Kansas.

How to Apply:

Contact the Kansas Office of Veterans Services for application information.

Kansas Veterans’ Cemeteries

Kansas operates four State Veterans’ Cemeteries that provide interment opportunities for veterans and their eligible dependents.

Locations:

• Fort Dodge

• WaKeeney

• Winfield (serves the Wichita area)

• Fort Riley

Burial Benefits:

• Eligible veterans may be buried at no charge in a state-owned cemetery reserved solely for veteran burials

• The interment allowance has increased annually

• Spouses and eligible dependents may also be interred

How to Apply:

Contact the Kansas Office of Veterans Services or the cemetery directly for pre-application information.

VA Disability Compensation for Wichita Veterans

VA Disability Compensation is a tax-free monthly payment for veterans who became sick or injured during military service, or whose existing condition worsened because of service.

2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates (Veteran Alone):

Veterans with dependents receive higher rates. For example, a veteran with a 30% disability rating and a dependent spouse (no children) receives $617.47 per month.

Who Qualifies:

• Veterans who served on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training

• Must have an honorable or general discharge

• Must have a condition that began during or was worsened by military service

• National Guard and Reserve members may qualify for conditions that began during active duty for training

How to Apply:

File VA Form 21-526EZ (Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits) with the VA. You can submit this online through VA.gov, by mail, or in person at the Wichita VA Regional Benefit Office.

PACT Act Benefits for Kansas Veterans

The PACT Act of 2022 expanded VA healthcare and disability benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances, including burn pits, Agent Orange, and other hazards.

What the PACT Act Covers:

• Adds 23 presumptive conditions for toxic exposure

• Expands VA healthcare eligibility to more than 3.5 million toxic-exposed veterans

• Strengthens federal research on toxic exposure

• Requires VA to provide toxic exposure screenings for all enrolled veterans

Who Qualifies:

Veterans who served in locations and time periods associated with toxic exposure, including:

• Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, or Guam (Agent Orange)

• Southwest Asia (Gulf War)

• Afghanistan, Iraq, and other post-9/11 locations (burn pits)

Kansas Impact:

The PACT Act has provided approximately $40 million in funding to the Kansas City VA to expand care and outreach. At the facility, 76% of enrolled veterans have been screened for exposure, above the national average of 72%.

Deadline Note:

Veterans who filed PACT Act claims by August 9, 2023 may be eligible for backdated benefits. Claims can still be filed after that date, but they will not be retroactive.

How to Apply:

File a claim online at VA.gov or contact the Sedgwick County Veterans Service Office for assistance.

VA Education Benefits for Wichita Veterans

GI Bill Benefits

The GI Bill provides tuition assistance, housing stipends, and other financial support for eligible veterans pursuing higher education, vocational training, or certification programs.

Post-9/11 GI Bill:

• Covers up to 100% of tuition and fees at public schools

• Provides monthly housing allowance

• Includes stipend for books and supplies

• Can transfer benefits to dependents in some cases

Montgomery GI Bill:

• Monthly education benefit for eligible veterans

• Can be used for college, technical school, or apprenticeship programs

Who Qualifies:

• Veterans with at least 90 days of aggregate active-duty service after September 10, 2001

• Veterans discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days of continuous service

How to Apply:

Apply online at VA.gov or complete VA Form 22-1990.

Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)

VR&E services help veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find, and maintain suitable employment.

Services Include:

• Career counseling

• Education and training

• Job placement assistance

• Resume development

• Small business development

Who Qualifies:

• Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of at least 10%

• Veterans with a memorandum rating of 20% or more

• Must have an employment handicap related to the disability

How to Apply:

Apply online at VA.gov or contact the Wichita VA Regional Benefit Office.

VA Home Loan Benefits in Wichita

VA home loans help veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses buy, build, or improve a home with no down payment.

2026 VA Loan Limits for Sedgwick County:

• Sedgwick County conforming loan limit: $832,750

• Veterans with full entitlement may borrow more

Key Benefits:

• No down payment required

• No private mortgage insurance (PMI)

• Competitive interest rates

• Limited closing costs

• Can be reused multiple times

Who Qualifies:

• Veterans with honorable service

• Active-duty service members

• National Guard and Reserve members with qualifying service

• Surviving spouses of veterans who died from service-connected causes

How to Apply:

Get a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) through VA.gov or your lender, then work with a VA-approved lender.

Survivor Benefits for Wichita Families

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

DIC is a tax-free monthly payment for surviving spouses, children, and parents of veterans who died from service-connected causes.

2026 DIC Rates:

• Surviving spouse base rate: $1,699.36 per month

• Additional allowances for dependent children

• Higher rates for survivors of veterans who were totally disabled for 8+ years

Who Qualifies:

• Surviving spouse who was married to the veteran for at least 1 year

• Unmarried children under 18 (or under 23 if in school)

• Dependent parents with limited income

How to Apply:

Complete VA Form 21P-534EZ (Application for DIC, Survivors Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits) and submit to the VA.

Survivors Pension

Survivors Pension provides monthly payments to low-income surviving spouses and children of deceased wartime veterans.

Who Qualifies:

• Surviving spouse who was married to the veteran for at least 1 year

• Veteran must have served during a wartime period

• Survivor’s income must be below VA limits

• Net worth must be below VA limits

How to Apply:

Use VA Form 21P-534EZ. The VA will determine whether DIC or Survivors Pension provides the greater benefit.

Transportation for Wichita Veterans

Getting to VA appointments can be challenging. Several options exist:

DAV Volunteer Transportation Network:

The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) provides free transportation to and from Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center in Wichita for veterans within a 30-mile radius of the facility.

How to Schedule:

Call 316-685-2221, ext. 53606 to schedule a DAV van ride.

Beneficiary Travel:

Beneficiary travel benefits include round-trip transportation from your home to the medical center, mileage reimbursement, or special mode transport.

Public Transportation:

Wichita Transit route 27 has a stop near the Wichita VA Regional Benefit Office (Ruffin Building East).

How to Get More Information:

Contact the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center at 316-685-2221 for transportation assistance.

Common Mistakes That Delay VA Claims

1. Missing the DD-214: Without proof of service, the VA cannot process your claim.

2. Not claiming all conditions: Many veterans only claim their primary condition and miss secondary conditions.

3. Incomplete medical evidence: The VA needs current diagnosis and medical records linking your condition to service.

4. Failing to attend C&P exams: Missing an exam can result in a denial.

5. Not appealing denials: Many veterans give up after a denial when they have options.

6. Missing deadlines: File within one year of a decision to preserve your effective date.

7. Not using a VSO: Veterans who work with VSOs have higher success rates.

8. Providing inaccurate information: Inconsistencies can delay or deny claims.

9. Not keeping contact information updated: The VA may need to reach you.

10. Waiting too long to file: The earlier you file, the earlier your effective date.

VA Appeals Process

If the VA denies your claim or assigns a lower rating than expected, you have options.

Three Decision Review Options:

Important Timeframes:

• File within 1 year of a decision to preserve your effective date

• Supplemental Claims can be filed at any time

• If more than 1 year has passed, your only option is a Supplemental Claim

How to Get Help:

Contact the Sedgwick County Veterans Service Office at 316-660-9430 or the Wichita VA Regional Benefit Office for free assistance with appeals.

Veterans Crisis Resources

Veterans Crisis Line:

• Call 988 and press 1

• Text 838255

• Chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net

• For TTY, call 711 then 988

Wichita Vet Center:

• 393 North McLean Blvd., Wichita, KS 67203

• 316-648-5928

• 877-927-8387 (24/7)

Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center:

• Emergency services available 24/7

• 5500 East Kellogg Drive, Wichita, KS 67218

• 316-685-2221

Common Questions

1. What is the address of the Wichita VA Medical Center?

The Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center is located at 5500 East Kellogg Drive, Wichita, KS 67218-1607. The main phone number is 316-685-2221.

2. What are the hours of the Wichita VA Medical Center?

The Dole VA Medical Center offers 24/7 emergency services. Outpatient clinic hours vary by service, with most clinics open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

3. How do I contact the Wichita Vet Center?

Call 316-648-5928. The Vet Center is at 393 North McLean Blvd., Wichita, KS 67203. The 24/7 call center number is 877-927-8387.

4. How do I contact the Sedgwick County Veterans Service Office?

Call 316-660-9430. The office is at 525 N Main St, Wichita, KS 67203. Services include claims assistance, benefits information, and appeals help.

5. How do I apply for VA healthcare in Wichita?

Complete VA Form 10-10EZ online at VA.gov, by phone at 877-222-8387, or in person at the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center. Bring your DD-214 and income information.

6. What is the VA disability rate for 2026?

For a veteran alone, rates range from $180.42 per month (10% rating) to $3,291.06 per month (100% rating). Rates increase with dependents.

7. Does Kansas offer property tax relief for disabled veterans?

Yes. The Veterans’ Valor Property Tax Relief Act provides a credit of 50% of property and ad valorem taxes actually and timely paid on residential property, beginning in tax year 2026.

8. What is the PACT Act and how does it help Wichita veterans?

The PACT Act expanded VA healthcare and disability benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. It added 23 presumptive conditions.

9. Can I get free transportation to VA appointments in Wichita?

Yes. The DAV provides free van rides for veterans within a 30-mile radius of the Dole VA Medical Center. Call 316-685-2221, ext. 53606.

10. How do I appeal a VA decision?

You can file a Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995) with new evidence, request a Higher-Level Review (VA Form 20-0996), or appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (VA Form 10182).

11. What is the VA home loan limit in Sedgwick County for 2026?

The conforming loan limit for Sedgwick County is $832,750. Veterans with full entitlement may borrow more.

12. Who is eligible for DIC survivor benefits?

Surviving spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents of veterans who died from service-connected causes may qualify for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation.

13. What education benefits are available for Kansas National Guard members?

The Kansas National Guard Educational Assistance Act provides tuition and fees for up to 15 credit hours per semester. Guard members may transfer unused benefits to eligible dependents.

14. What is the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery in Winfield?

The Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery in Winfield is one of four state veterans’ cemeteries. It provides interment opportunities for veterans and their eligible family members at no charge.

15. What is the Veterans Crisis Line number?

Call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net.

Key Takeaways

• Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center provides comprehensive healthcare, including 24/7 emergency services, at 5500 East Kellogg Drive. Call 316-685-2221.

• Wichita Vet Center offers free, confidential counseling at 393 North McLean Blvd. Call 316-648-5928.

• Sedgwick County Veterans Service Office provides free help with claims and benefits. Call 316-660-9430.

• Wichita VA Regional Benefit Office handles disability claims and benefits at 9111 E. Douglas Ave, Suite 200. Call 1-800-827-1000.

• VA disability compensation ranges from $180.42 to $3,291.06 per month for veterans alone in 2026.

• Kansas Veterans’ Valor Property Tax Relief Act provides a 50% property tax credit for eligible veterans beginning in tax year 2026.

• Kansas National Guard Educational Assistance Act provides tuition and fees for up to 15 credit hours per semester.

• PACT Act expanded benefits for toxic-exposed veterans. Claims can still be filed but backdating ended August 9, 2023.

• DAV transportation is available free for veterans within a 30-mile radius of the Dole VA Medical Center.

• Kansas Veterans’ Cemeteries in Fort Dodge, WaKeeney, Winfield, and Fort Riley provide interment for veterans and eligible dependents.

Official Resources

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: VA.gov

• VA Health Care Enrollment: VA.gov/health-care

• VA Disability Compensation: VA.gov/disability

• VA Education Benefits: VA.gov/education

• VA Home Loans: VA.gov/housing-assistance

• VA Survivor Benefits: VA.gov/family-member-benefits

• Kansas Office of Veterans Services: kovs.ks.gov

• Kansas Department of Revenue: ksrevenue.gov

• Kansas Legislature: kslegislature.gov

• Social Security Administration: SSA.gov

• Medicare: Medicare.gov

• Medicaid: Medicaid.gov

• USA.gov: USA.gov

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