Veterans Health Administration Guide
Comprehensive healthcare services for veterans. Learn how to enroll, access care, and navigate the VA healthcare system in Colorado.
What is VA Healthcare?
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is America's largest integrated healthcare system, providing comprehensive medical services to eligible veterans. The VA offers primary care, specialty care, mental health services, prescriptions, and preventive care at little or no cost to enrolled veterans.
In Colorado, the VA operates three major medical centers and multiple community-based outpatient clinics, serving over 400,000 veterans across the state. VA healthcare is designed specifically for veterans' unique needs, with specialized programs for service-connected conditions, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and more.
Who is Eligible for VA Healthcare?
Most veterans who served in the active military and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable are eligible.
- Served in active duty: Must have served in the active military, naval, or air service
- Discharge status: Discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable
- Minimum service: Generally, at least 24 months of continuous active duty (exceptions for service-connected disabilities)
The VA assigns veterans to priority groups (1-8) based on service-connected disabilities, income, and other factors. Higher priority groups receive enhanced benefits and lower copays.
How to Enroll in VA Healthcare
Enrollment is free and can be completed online, by phone, by mail, or in person.
- • DD214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) or other discharge papers
- • Social Security number
- • Insurance information (if you have other health insurance)
- • Financial information (to determine copay requirements)
You'll receive a decision letter in the mail within about a week. If approved, you'll be assigned to a priority group and can begin scheduling appointments.
VA Healthcare Services
Comprehensive medical services designed specifically for veterans' needs.
- • Annual physical exams and preventive care
- • Chronic disease management (diabetes, hypertension, etc.)
- • Immunizations and health screenings
- • Women's health services
- • PTSD treatment and counseling
- • Depression and anxiety treatment
- • Substance abuse programs
- • Suicide prevention services (24/7 crisis line)
- • Cardiology, orthopedics, neurology
- • Surgery and surgical specialties
- • Rehabilitation services
- • Audiology and vision care
- • Prescription medications at low cost
- • Mail-order pharmacy (free shipping)
- • Medication therapy management
- • Over-the-counter items available
VA Facilities in Colorado
Three medical centers and multiple clinics serving veterans across the state.
How to Access VA Healthcare
Once enrolled, scheduling appointments and accessing care is straightforward.
My HealtheVet is the VA's online patient portal where you can:
- • Schedule and manage appointments
- • Refill prescriptions
- • View test results and medical records
- • Send secure messages to your care team
- • Update your personal information
Costs and Copayments
Many veterans receive free VA healthcare. Others pay small copays based on priority group and income.
- Veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 50% or higher
- Veterans receiving VA pension benefits
- Former prisoners of war
- Veterans receiving aid and attendance benefits
- Veterans with catastrophic disabilities
Additional VA Resources
24/7 confidential support for veterans in crisis and their families.
Questions about VA healthcare enrollment and benefits.
Free assistance with VA claims, enrollment, and benefits.
- VA Aid & Attendance Benefit →Financial assistance for veterans needing help with daily living
- Complete VA Benefits Guide →Overview of all VA benefits for veterans and families