Skip to main content

Apply for veterans healthcare benefits (VA health care)

Need to know

The Marin County Veterans Service Office (VSO) assists veterans with applying for VA Health Care, administered by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) under the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

VA health care includes a wide range of medical and supportive services, including:

  • Primary care
  • Specialty care
  • Mental health care
  • Geriatrics & Extended Care / Long-Term Care
  • Caregiver Support Programs

Important:

  • The VSO does not determine medical eligibility and does not provide medical treatment.
  • Enrollment and eligibility decisions are made solely by the VHA.
  • Medical care is delivered at VA medical facilities.

Before you start

Learn what VA health care covers

Each veteran’s medical benefits package is unique; it will include various care and services programs, but only some will qualify for added benefits like dental care.

Your benefits depend on:

  • Your assigned Priority Group
  • Clinical judgment of your VHA primary care provider
  • VA medical standards of care
  • Your service-connected status & eligibility category

Learn about VA priority groups.

Check eligibility

Find out if you’re eligible for VA health care benefits.

Prepare your information

Gather the information to fill out an Application for Health Benefits (VA Form 10-10EZ):

  • Personal identifying information (veteran, spouse, covered dependents).
  • Veteran's DD-214 or separation documents.
  • Military service details.
  • Insurance information (including Medicare or employer coverage).
  • Gross household income from the previous year.
  • Deductible medical or education expenses

Note: Income information may not be required if eligibility is established through service-connected status or other VHA criteria.

What to do

  1. Check whether the veteran is already enrolled.
    • Sign in to your VA.gov account
    • Use My HealtheVet
    • Or call the VA Health Benefits Hotline: 877-222-8387
  2. If not enrolled, complete VA Form 10-10EZ.
  3. Submit any additional documentation if the VHA requests it.
  4. Wait for a decision from the VA Health Eligibility Center.
  5. After enrollment:
    • Schedule your first VA primary care appointment
    • Select or be assigned to a VHA medical facility
    • Request referrals for specialty programs (i.e. Long-Term Care, Geriatrics, Caregiver Support)
  6. Obtain your VA Health Identification Card (VHIC)
    • Used to check in for appointments
    • Get your VHIC online or in person at a VA medical center

How to Apply for VA Health Care

Apply online

Apply by phone

  • Call the VHA Enrollment Hotline: 877-222-8387
    (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. ET)

Apply by mail

  • Download VA Form 10-10EZ
  • Mail the completed form to:
    Health Eligibility Center
    PO Box 5207
    Janesville, WI 53547-5207

Apply in person at a VHA facility

Bring a completed VA Form 10-10EZ to the nearest VHA Facility:

Apply through the Marin County VSO

What's next

What's next content

If your application is approved:

  • The VHA will review eligibility and assign a Priority Group.
  • You will receive a Veterans Health Benefits Handbook explaining your benefits, co-pays, and enrollment status.
  • Once enrolled, the VHA will contact you to schedule your first appointment — or you may schedule directly.
  • Get your Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) to check in at VA health care appointments. VHIC can be obtained online or in person at your assigned VA medical center.

If your application is denied:

  • VHA will send you a letter explaining the reason. This letter will include instructions on how to request a decision review.
  • You may submit updated information or reapply if your circumstances change.
  • The Marin County VSO can assist with reviewing the decision letter. Please bring a copy of your VHA denial letter.
  • Processing times vary depending on eligibility category and documentation completeness.

Get help

Application status

Benefits hotline

This hotline can:

  • Confirm receipt of your application
  • Check enrollment status
  • Update contact information
  • Answer eligibility questions

Using VA with other insurance

Learn how VA works with private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE.

Bay Area VA medical facilities

Related

Page last updated on June 1, 2026.