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Health Benefits and Issues for Veterans

Find information about medical issues and health benefits for veterans.

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Health Benefits for Veterans

If you served in the military, you may be eligible for veterans health benefits. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) runs the program.

Benefits include:

Find VA Medical Facilities

When you sign up for VA health benefits, you'll pick one VA location for your regular care. The VA may refer you to other locations for specialty care.

Use the VA facility locator to find VA medical centers, clinics, and vet centers.

Check Your Eligibility

You may qualify for VA health benefits if:

  • You served on active duty, and

  • You didn't receive a dishonorable discharge

Learn more about veterans health care eligibility to see if you qualify.

Apply for Medical Benefits

You can apply for VA medical benefits online, by phone, mail, or in person. The VA will make its decision within one week.

Manage Your Care with My HealtheVet

Use the My HealtheVet website to:

  • Order prescription refills

  • Schedule appointments

  • Send secure messages to your VA health care team

  • View lab and test results

  • View, download, and print your medical records

Problems with Veterans Health Care

If you have a problem with your care provider, VA medical facility, or any other aspect of your care, you can:

For more information, call 1-877-222-VETS (1-877-222-8387).

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Help for Veterans

If you or someone you know needs help now, contact the Veterans Crisis Line. Counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can:

  • Send a text message to 838255

Mental Health Services from the VA

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) mental health services can help with:

  • Anxiety

  • Other issues

Eligibility for Mental Health Services

Veterans enrolled in VA health care can receive mental health services.

Even if you're not enrolled in VA health care, you may be able to get help.

Find VA Facilities

You can call or go to any VA medical center or vet center to get help. VA medical centers are open 24/7. Find VA locations near you.

Substance Abuse Treatment for Veterans

Veterans with substance use problems can get help through the VA. Treatment may include:

  • Safe detoxification with medication

  • Outpatient counseling

  • Residential care

  • Continuing care

You can seek treatment at a VA location or you can find a VA substance use disorder treatment program near you.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

The VA can help veterans with PTSD, no matter when the triggering event occurred.

Support Programs for Life Events

The inTransition program offers specialized coaching for military members and veterans during transitions like:

  • Changing duty stations

  • Returning from deployment

  • Preparing to leave the military

To enroll, call 1-800-424-7877. Outside the U.S., call (DSN) 1-800-424-4685.

Make the Connection helps vets, friends, and family find help for various life issues.

Self-Help Resources and Apps

Use these mobile apps and online tools to help work through challenges:

  • Free mental health smartphone apps help with managing stress, fighting depression, relaxation, and positive thinking. Other apps can help you quit smoking, lose weight, and work with a therapist.

  • The PTSD Coach Online has tools to cope with symptoms like sadness, anxiety, and trouble sleeping. It was created to deal with issues that trauma survivors often develop.

Specialized Helplines for Veterans and Families

You can also find help through these websites and toll-free numbers:

  • Combat veterans hotline - 1-877-WAR-VETS (1-877-927-8387). Combat vets can talk to a fellow combat veteran. The line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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Last Updated: March 13, 2020

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