How to Use the VA Health and Benefits Website (VA.gov)

VA.gov lets veterans view medical records, request prescription refills, schedule appointments, and check benefit status — all online without calling or driving.

In this guide (5 steps):

1.Go to VA.gov and create an account
2.Complete identity verification
3.Navigate your health records
4.Refill prescriptions online
5.Check your benefits and claims

Go to VA.gov and create an account

~15s

Open a browser and go to VA.gov. Click "Sign In" and choose Login.gov or ID.me to create a verified account. You will need your email address, phone number, and a government-issued ID.

Complete identity verification

~21s

Login.gov and ID.me both require you to upload a photo of your ID and take a selfie for identity matching. This step verifies it is really you, not someone else accessing your VA account.

Quick Tip

Take photos of your ID in good lighting with a plain background. If the automatic verification fails, both services offer a live agent option to complete verification over video.

Navigate your health records

~15s

Once logged in, click "My Health" to access your VA care. Here you can view appointments, review test results, read visit summaries, and send messages to your care team.

Refill prescriptions online

~15s

Click "My Health" → "Pharmacy" → "Prescription refills." Select prescriptions eligible for refill and confirm. Most VA prescriptions ship by mail within 5 to 10 business days.

Check your benefits and claims

~15s

Click "My VA" to see your disability rating, current monthly payment, and any open claims or appeals. If you have pending claims, this shows the estimated decision date.

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VA.gov is the official online portal for US military veterans to manage their VA health care and benefits. It replaced several older portals (MyHealtheVet, eBenefits) and consolidated them into one website.

Veterans who are enrolled in VA health care can use VA.gov to: - View their medical records and lab results - Request prescription refills and track shipments - Schedule primary care and mental health appointments - Send secure messages to their VA care team - View and download VA letters and benefit documents - Check the status of disability compensation claims - Update contact and direct deposit information

Setting up a VA.gov account requires identity verification through Login.gov or ID.me. This is a one-time process that takes about 10 to 15 minutes and requires a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID).

The VA also has a mobile app called VA: Health and Benefits that provides the same core features in a simplified app format, which many veterans find easier to use than the full website.

If you encounter difficulty navigating VA.gov, the VA offers a toll-free support line at 1-800-827-1000, and most VA medical centers have patient advocates who can help with portal setup.

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