Veterans Crisis Line: dial 988 then Press 1, or text 838255.
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Veteran Q&A

How do I enroll in VA healthcare?

Apply with VA Form 10-10EZ at va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/. Most veterans qualify for some level of care.

Enroll in VA healthcare by submitting VA Form 10-10EZ online at va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/, by phone at 1-877-222-VETS (8387), or in person at any VA Medical Center. VA assigns you to a Priority Group (1-8) based on service-connected status, income, era, and other factors. Most veterans qualify for some level of care.

Detail

  • Apply: VA Form 10-10EZ (online, fastest) or by phone 1-877-222-VETS.
  • Required documentation: DD-214, financial information (for income-based priority), insurance card.
  • Priority Group 1: 50%+ service-connected disability rating. Free care, no co-pays.
  • Priority Group 2-3: lower service-connected rating, ex-POW, Purple Heart, MOH recipients.
  • Priority Group 4-5: low-income veterans, catastrophically disabled.
  • Priority Group 6-7: Vietnam-era, OEF/OIF/OND post-9/11 (5-year free-care window after separation).
  • Priority Group 8: higher-income, no service-connected. Some access; co-pays may apply.
  • After enrollment: schedule an "intake appointment" at your assigned VA Medical Center to start primary care.
  • Special programs: PACT Act-related toxic exposure care is FREE regardless of priority group; MST-related care is FREE regardless of discharge.
In crisis? Call 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line — 24/7 confidential, federally-operated. Text 838255. Chat at veteranscrisisline.net.

Related pages

VA Form 10-10EZ — enrollment applicationFind VA hospitals + clinicsVHA — Veterans Health Administration

Other veteran questions

How do I file a VA disability claim?File VA Form 21-526EZ — Application for Disability Compensation.How long does a VA disability claim take?4-6 months on average for an initial decision; longer for complex or appealed claims.What is a DD-214?A DD-214 is the federal Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty issued to every U.S. servicemember leaving active service.What is TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability)?TDIU is a VA designation that pays at the 100% disability rate when service-connected disabilities prevent you from holding "substantially gainful employment," even if your combined rating is below 100%.Are VA disability payments taxed?No. VA disability compensation is fully tax-free under federal law (38 USC §5301).Is asthma a PACT Act presumptive condition?Yes. Asthma diagnosed after service is a PACT Act burn-pit presumptive for post-9/11 veterans who served in qualifying locations.

About these answers

These plain-English answers are maintained by Wounded Warriors (Texas 501(c)(3), EIN 86-1336741). We cite VA's official sources where applicable. Always verify the most current rules at va.gov. Free, machine-queryable under CC-BY 4.0.