Apply for VA health care
Enroll for VA medical care and learn how to arrange your first appointment.
Who this program may help
Service, discharge and other qualifying factors matter. A compensation rating is not required for every applicant.
Read official eligibility instructions1. Check the enrollment requirements
VA health care has its own eligibility rules.
Read the service requirements and exceptions that match your history.
Why this matters
An enrollment application is separate from a compensation claim.
Official action:
Read VA health care requirementsVA will determine eligibility and the applicable priority group.
Official references
2. Find the information the application asks for
VA asks about service, insurance and household finances.
Locate service documents and insurance details. Income information is not mandatory when you first apply.
Why this matters
Income may affect eligibility or care costs.
Documents for this step
- Service information and available discharge documents preparation
- Health insurance details
If insured
conditional - Prior-calendar-year income and deductible expenses
VA may need income information to decide some applications
optional
VA may request income if no other eligibility factor applies.
Official references
3. Choose an enrollment method
You can apply online, by phone, by mail or in person.
Use the online application or a signed VA Form 10-10EZ.
Why this matters
Send health enrollment to the health program.
Documents for this step
- VA Form 10-10EZ — Apply for VA health care
For paper enrollment
alternative
Official action:
Continue to VA to enrollKeep any receipt, copy or call reference VA provides.
VA reviews the enrollment application.
Official references
4. Keep the enrollment response
An enrollment response explains access to care.
If more than a week passes without a response, follow VA’s instruction to call rather than reapply.
Why this matters
Duplicate applications can create confusion.
Use VA’s response, not a VetCore checkmark.
VA may request missing information.
Official references
5. Arrange care and update changed information
Enrollment and scheduling are separate tasks.
Contact the facility about appointments. Use VA Form 10-10EZR when updating applicable health-benefit information.
Why this matters
The care team arranges treatment.
Documents for this step
- VA Form 10-10EZR — Update VA health care information
For applicable updates after enrollment
conditional
Official action:
Find a VA health facilityThe facility confirms the appointment and care arrangements.