How to enroll in VA healthcare and get an appointment
Step-by-step guide to enrolling in VA healthcare. 5 steps: confirm eligibility, gather documents, file VA Form 10-10EZ, get assigned to a VAMC + primary care, schedule your first appointment. Most veterans qualify regardless of disability rating.
What you'll need
- VA Form 10-10EZ (Application for Health Benefits) — file online at va.gov
- DD-214
- Income verification (W-2 or tax return)
- List of current medications + medical conditions
Step-by-step
Step 1: Confirm eligibility
Most veterans with Other-than-Dishonorable discharges are eligible. Priority Group is determined by service-connection, income, and other factors. See /api/v1/eligibility.json#va-healthcare for the full eligibility breakdown. Combat veterans get 5 years of free VA healthcare post-discharge regardless of income (Priority Group 6).
Step 2: File VA Form 10-10EZ online (fastest)
Go to va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/. The online form takes 30 minutes. You can also call 1-877-222-VETS (8387) to apply by phone, or apply at any VA Medical Center / VA Regional Office in person.
Step 3: Wait for enrollment confirmation (typically 1-2 weeks)
VA mails you an enrollment letter confirming your Priority Group and your assigned VA Medical Center. The letter includes your VA member ID and instructions to schedule your first appointment.
Step 4: Schedule your "Welcome Visit" (initial primary care)
Once enrolled, call your assigned VAMC to schedule a "Welcome Visit" — your first primary care appointment. This is when you'll be assigned a Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT — primary care doctor, nurse, social worker). You can also use the VA mobile app or VA.gov to schedule.
Step 5: Get a VA medical card + set up MyHealtheVet
At your first appointment, request a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) and set up a MyHealtheVet account at myhealth.va.gov. MyHealtheVet lets you message your providers, refill prescriptions, view test results, and request appointments online. The VHIC is your VA medical card — keep it with you.
Critical tips
- Combat veterans (post-9/11) get 5 years of FREE VA healthcare after discharge regardless of income or disability rating. Don't skip enrollment.
- Priority Group 1 (50%+ service-connected disability) gets the most comprehensive benefits with no copays.
- You can be enrolled in VA healthcare AND have private/Medicare insurance simultaneously. They coordinate.
- For mental health crises: 988 + Press 1 is available regardless of enrollment status. Don't wait for enrollment to call.
- If your local VAMC has long wait times, ask about Community Care eligibility — VA pays civilian providers in your area when wait times exceed 30 days or driving distance exceeds 30 minutes.