What it is VA Form 10-10EZ enrolls you in the VA health care system. Enrollment is required before VA will provide medical care, whether at a VA facility or through a community provider. It is not the same as a disability claim — health care eligibility runs on its own ruleset under 38 CFR 17.36.
When you use it Use it when you first apply for VA health care, or any time you re-enroll after a lapse. If you are already enrolled and only need to update income, insurance, marital status, or dependents, file VA Form 10-10EZR instead.
What to gather before you fill it out
- DD-214 (or other separation document) for every period of service
- Social Security number for you, your spouse, and dependents
- Insurance cards (private, Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, employer plan)
- Most recent gross household income and deductible expenses
- VA file number if you already have one
- Bank routing/account info if you want copay billing by EFT
How to submit
- Online at va.gov/health-care/apply/application
- Mail to Health Eligibility Center, 2957 Clairmont Rd NE, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30329
- Phone 877-222-8387 (verbal attestation is accepted under 38 CFR 17.36)
- In person at any VA medical facility enrollment office
Common pitfalls
- Skipping the financial section. Without it, VA defaults you to a higher copay tier or denies Priority Group 5/7/8 placement.
- Assuming you do not qualify because you have no rating. PACT Act toxic-exposure veterans, combat veterans within 10 years of discharge, and post-9/11 combat veterans are enrollment-eligible regardless of rating.
- Missing the 24-month minimum active-duty rule — exceptions apply for service-connected discharge, hardship discharge, early-out, reservists called to active duty, and combat service.
- Service connection at 50% or higher removes copays for all care and medication; do not pay a bill before confirming your priority group.
- Combat veterans get 10 years of cost-free enrollment for conditions possibly related to service after separation; re-apply before the window closes to lock in placement.
Related forms
- 10-10EZR — update existing enrollment
- 21-526EZ — disability compensation (separate process)
- 10-10CG — caregiver program
Sources