Veteran Resource Guide

When you enroll in VA health care, you are assigned to a Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) — a group of health care professionals dedicated to you and your needs. Your PACT coordinates everything from routine checkups to specialist referrals, so you are never navigating your care alone. Whether you need inpatient treatment, same-day urgent care, women's health services or support for aging-related conditions, VA has you covered. If you move or travel, your care moves with you.

If your military service left you with a health condition, you may be entitled to tax-free monthly disability payments — and you might qualify for more than you think. The PACT Act also expanded eligibility for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxic substances, adding more than 20 new presumptive conditions. You can apply online, by mail, in person or with free help from a County Veterans Service Organization (CVSO) representative. 

Planning ahead is one of the most thoughtful things you can do for yourself and your loved ones. VA can help you put your wishes in writing through an advance directive — so that if you are ever unable to speak for yourself, your health care team and family will know exactly what you want. If you or your family face a difficult medical decision and aren't sure what the right path forward is, VA's Ethics Consultation Service is here to help guide the conversation. And when the time comes, VA honors your service with burial and memorial benefits through the National Cemetery Administration, including grave sites, headstones and military funeral honors.

Your health needs don't stop at a primary care visit, and neither does VA. From hearing aids and vision care to physical rehabilitation, prosthetics and dental services, VA offers a wide range of specialty care designed with Veterans in mind. If you are struggling with your weight, managing a chronic condition or simply want to feel better in your daily life, programs like MOVE! and Whole Health can help you build a plan that works for you. And if life gets complicated — whether you're facing housing instability, need help getting to appointments or just need someone in your corner — VA's social workers, chaplains, patient advocates and Vet Centers are here for that too.

You don't have to drive to a clinic every time you need to connect with your care team. VA's virtual tools let you manage your health care from wherever you are. Through VA.gov you can send secure messages to your provider, refill prescriptions and schedule appointments — all from your phone or computer. VA Video Connect makes it easy to meet with your provider face to face without leaving home. If you're not sure where to start with these tools, our Virtual Health Resource Center can walk you through everything in person.

If you are struggling, VA is here for you — any time of day or night. The Veterans Crisis Line offers free, confidential support for Veterans in crisis and their loved ones. Beyond crisis care, VA provides a full range of mental health services including therapy for PTSD, treatment for substance use, care for military sexual trauma and peer support through Vet Centers. You do not need to be enrolled in VA care to reach out, and there is no wrong reason to ask for help.

Many Veterans don't realize how much they qualify for. VA benefits are based on your service, your disability rating, your income and other factors — and understanding where you fall can make a big difference in what care and support you receive. VA helps you figure out what you're eligible for, what your copays might be and how to get the services you need.

Caring for a Veteran is one of the most important jobs there is, and VA wants to support the people who do it. Whether you are a spouse, family member or friend providing care, VA offers programs to help you get the training, resources and relief you need. From the Caregiver Support Program to Fisher House lodging to survivor benefits, VA recognizes that a Veteran's well-being is closely tied to the well-being of those around them.

Good health is about more than treating illness — it's about building a life that feels worth living. VA's healthy living programs meet you where you are and help you set goals that matter to you. Whether you want to manage a chronic condition, lose weight, eat better or find ways to reduce stress, VA has programs designed specifically for Veterans.