How Do I Enroll in VA Healthcare? — Veterans Desk

If you served in the active military, naval, or air service and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, you may be eligible for VA healthcare. But being a veteran and being enrolled in VA healthcare are two different things. Enrollment is not automatic — you have to apply. This guide walks you through who is eligible, how to apply, and what to expect after you enroll.

Who Is Eligible?

Most veterans who served on active duty and received anything other than a dishonorable discharge are eligible to apply for VA healthcare. This includes veterans who served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force. National Guard and Reserve members who were activated for federal service under Title 10 also qualify. The length of your service and when you served may affect your priority group, but most veterans are eligible to at least apply.

What Are Priority Groups?

The VA assigns enrolled veterans to one of eight priority groups based on factors like service-connected conditions, income, and military service details. Your priority group determines your copay amounts and, during periods of high demand, whether the VA can offer you certain services. Priority Group 1 is the highest priority. You do not choose your priority group — the VA assigns it based on your circumstances.

The important thing to know is that priority groups affect copays and access priority, but most enrolled veterans receive the core healthcare services they need regardless of their group.

How to Apply

Option 1: Apply Online

Visit va.gov/health-care/apply/application/introduction to complete the VA Form 10-10EZ online. This is the fastest method. You will need your Social Security number, military service information (dates, branch, discharge status), and financial information (prior year income). Having your DD-214 nearby helps, though the VA can verify your service without it.

Option 2: Apply in Person

Visit your local VA medical center’s enrollment office. Bring your DD-214, a photo ID, and insurance information. Staff will help you complete the application.

Option 3: Apply by Phone

Call the VA Health Benefits Hotline at 1-877-222-8387, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern.

Option 4: Apply by Mail

Download the 10-10EZ from va.gov, complete it, and mail it to: Health Eligibility Center, 2957 Clairmont Road NE, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30329.

What Happens After You Apply?

The VA will process your application and notify you of your enrollment status and priority group assignment. If you are enrolled, you can then schedule your first appointment at your local VA medical center or community-based outpatient clinic (CBOC). Processing times vary, but most applications are processed within days to weeks.

What If I Was Previously Enrolled But Stopped Using the VA?

If you were previously enrolled in VA healthcare, your enrollment may still be active. Contact the VA Health Benefits Hotline or visit your local VA enrollment office to check your status. You may be able to resume care without reapplying.

What Happens at Your First VA Appointment

Once you are enrolled and assigned to a VA medical center, your first appointment will typically be a comprehensive new patient assessment. The VA will review your medical history, conduct a physical examination, establish your primary care team, and set up any specialist referrals you need. Bring your DD-214, a list of current medications, and any recent medical records from civilian providers. Your primary care team will become your ongoing point of contact for all VA healthcare services. You do not need to navigate the VA system alone — your primary care team coordinates your care across specialties, manages referrals, and serves as your advocate within the system. Many VA medical centers also offer orientation sessions for newly enrolled veterans that explain the facility layout, pharmacy procedures, appointment scheduling, and patient portal access.

The VA Patient Portal: My HealtheVet

After enrollment, register for My HealtheVet (myhealth.va.gov), the VA patient portal. Through the portal, you can schedule and manage appointments, request prescription refills, send secure messages to your care team, view lab results and medical records, and access health education resources. The portal is free and available to all enrolled veterans. Many veterans find that secure messaging is the fastest way to communicate non-urgent questions to their care team without waiting on hold or making an in-person visit. Setting up your portal account during your first visit saves time and gives you immediate access to the digital tools that make navigating VA healthcare significantly easier.

Common Enrollment Questions Veterans Ask

Veterans frequently ask whether they need to enroll every year. The answer is no — once you are enrolled, you remain enrolled unless you actively disenroll or your eligibility changes. You do not need to re-apply annually. Another common question is whether enrollment affects disability compensation. It does not. VA healthcare enrollment and VA disability compensation are separate programs administered by different divisions of the VA. Enrolling in healthcare does not change your disability rating, and receiving disability compensation does not automatically enroll you in healthcare. You must apply for each separately. Finally, veterans often ask whether they can enroll at any VA medical center. Yes — you can apply at any VA medical center, but you will be assigned to the facility nearest your home for primary care purposes.