No VA rating? You may still have VA health care
A disability rating is not required to be eligible. Do not assume you do not qualify.
Who may be eligible
You may be eligible if you served in active military service and did not receive a dishonorable discharge. If you enlisted after September 7, 1980, VA generally requires that you served 24 continuous months or the full period for which you were called to active duty. There are exceptions, including discharge for a disability caused or worsened by active-duty service, and discharge for hardship or early out. VA places veterans in one of 8 priority groups. A disability rating raises your priority. It does not decide whether you can enroll.
VA health care
Covered for enrolled veterans
If you have VA health care benefits, VA covers routine eye exams and preventive vision testing, such as glaucoma testing. All enrolled veterans are eligible for hearing (audiology) evaluations, and you can call your VA audiology clinic to be scheduled without a referral. VA also offers mental health care, including counseling and therapy for conditions such as PTSD, depression and substance use disorders.
Where a qualifier does matter
Glasses are covered only if you meet at least one requirement. Examples: a service-connected disability with VA payments, former prisoner of war, Purple Heart, benefits under 38 U.S.C. 1151, or an increased pension for aid and attendance or housebound. VA also covers glasses when vision problems come from certain conditions VA is treating, such as stroke, diabetes, MS, vascular disease, TBI or cataract surgery.
Dental care is not automatic with enrollment. It depends on your benefits class, such as a service-connected dental disability, former prisoner of war, or a 100 percent disability rating. Ask VA which class applies to you.
Where to call and where to go
Phone
- VA health care applications and health benefits hotline: 877-222-8387 (877-222-VETS), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET (hours from VA's how-to-apply page).
- Veterans Crisis Line, any time: call 988 and press 1.
Official pages
- How to apply for VA health care (online, phone, mail or in person)
- Apply online with VA Form 10-10EZ
- Find a VA health facility near you
- VA dental care: who is eligible
- VA mental health services
Free accredited help
- Find an accredited representative (VSO, attorney or claims agent). VA's how-to-apply page says you can work with one to apply for health care benefits.