Skip to main content
    Step 1 of 5
    Government & Civic
    Beginner
    3 min read 5 stepsApril 19, 2026Verified April 2026

    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.

    At a Glance

    Category
    Government & Civic
    Difficulty
    Beginner
    Read Time
    3 min read
    Steps
    5
    Topics covered
    va.gov
    veterans
    va health
    benefits
    military

    In this guide (5 steps):

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

    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.
    2

    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.

    3

    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.
    4

    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.
    5

    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.

    You Did It!

    You've finished reading: How to Use the VA Health and Benefits Website (VA.gov)

    How well did this guide stick with you?

    Need more help? Book a TekSure tech

    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.

    Rate this guide

    How helpful was this guide?

    va.gov
    veterans
    va health
    benefits
    military

    Official Resources

    USA.gov — Government ServicesSSA — Social SecurityBenefits.govIRS Free File

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

    ← Previous

    How to Order Groceries with Amazon Fresh

    Next →

    How to Block Spam and Robocalls on iPhone

    Still stuck? Let a pro handle it.

    A real person can walk you through this over the phone, anywhere in the US. If we can't fix it, you don't pay.

    Book a Verified Tech How It Works

    Learn more from official sources

    Related Guides

    How to Set Up a My Social Security Account Online

    Create your free my Social Security account at ssa.gov to view statements, check benefits, and manage your information online.

    3 min read

    How to Use Medicare.gov to Find Your Benefits

    Log in to Medicare.gov to check your coverage, find doctors, compare plans, and understand what Medicare pays for.

    3 min read

    How to File Taxes Online Using Free File (IRS.gov)

    File your federal taxes for free through the IRS Free File program — no cost, no catch, and available to most taxpayers.

    3 min read