Who qualifies for VA Healthcare — and how to apply

The basic service requirement

If you enlisted after September 7, 1980, or entered active duty after October 16, 1981, you generally must have served 24 continuous months, or the full period for which you were called to active duty. Veterans who served before those dates aren't subject to the 24-month minimum.

The minimum-duty requirement doesn't apply if you were discharged for a service-connected disability, discharged for hardship or an "early out," or you're a Reserve or National Guard member called to federal active duty by order other than for training. Discharge character matters too: a dishonorable discharge generally bars VA healthcare, while other-than-honorable cases are reviewed individually — and some veterans with OTH discharges can still access mental health care.

Enhanced eligibility — groups the VA fast-tracks

Some veterans qualify regardless of income, or get placed in a higher priority group:

• Service-connected disability rating from the VA, at any percentage
• Toxic exposure — burn pits, Agent Orange, radiation, Camp Lejeune water — under the PACT Act, for veterans of every era, even without a current diagnosis or rating
• Combat veterans: post-9/11 combat veterans can enroll within 10 years of discharge under PACT Act expansion
• Purple Heart or Medal of Honor recipients and former prisoners of war
• Medicaid eligibility or receipt of a VA pension
• Recently separated service members within their enhanced-enrollment window

The income question

If you don't qualify through one of the enhanced paths, the VA applies geographic income limits (a "means test") to decide whether you can enroll and which group you land in. Limits vary by ZIP code and household size — check yours at va.gov/health-care/income-limits. Providing income information can also qualify lower-income veterans for copay-free care and free medications.

How to apply

1. Gather your records. Have your DD214 (or other separation documents), Social Security number, and income information for the previous year if you may be in an income-based group.
2. Choose how to apply. Apply online at va.gov/health-care/apply, call 877-222-8387 (Mon–Fri, 8am–8pm ET), mail VA Form 10-10EZ, or visit any VA medical center or clinic. A Veterans Service Organization (VSO) can help free of charge.
3. Complete VA Form 10-10EZ. The application asks about service history, exposures, insurance, and household income. Listing other coverage like Medicare never reduces your VA benefits.
4. Get your decision and priority group. The VA typically responds within about a week. Your acceptance letter includes your priority group, which sets what — if anything — you pay.