Any veteran enrolled in VA healthcare can see a VA provider from home using VA Video Connect — free of charge. Mental health, primary care, audiology, and specialty care are all available by video. Here's how to get set up and what to expect.
VA telehealth is a suite of technology-enabled care delivery options that allow veterans enrolled in VA healthcare to receive medical and mental health services without traveling to a VA facility. As of 2026, the VA is one of the largest telehealth providers in the United States, conducting millions of telehealth visits per year across all 50 states and territories.
VA telehealth has three main delivery modes:
For most veterans, the most relevant component is VA Video Connect — the live video platform that replaces in-person appointments for appropriate visit types. This guide focuses primarily on VVC, as it's the most accessible and widely used telehealth option for VA-enrolled veterans.
The VA completed more than 14 million telehealth episodes of care in FY2025, serving approximately 2.3 million veterans. More than 50% of VA mental health appointments are now conducted via telehealth. Veterans in rural areas account for a disproportionate share of telehealth use — reflecting telehealth's critical role in reaching veterans far from VA Medical Centers.
Cost to veteran: VA telehealth visits carry the same copay structure as in-person VA visits — meaning veterans in Priority Group 1 (100% service-connected) pay $0 copay for all telehealth visits.
VA telehealth eligibility mirrors VA healthcare eligibility generally: any veteran enrolled in VA healthcare can access VA telehealth services. There is no separate telehealth enrollment process — if you're in the VA healthcare system, telehealth is available to you.
To use VA Video Connect specifically, you'll need:
If you're not yet enrolled in VA healthcare, you'll need to enroll first. Enrollment is generally available to any veteran who served on active duty and was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Our guide to VA healthcare eligibility and priority groups explains the full enrollment criteria and what priority group you might fall into.
You do not need a VA disability rating to be enrolled in VA healthcare or to use VA telehealth. Veterans with no rated disabilities who meet the basic service eligibility can enroll in VA healthcare and access telehealth services. Combat veterans are generally eligible for 5 years of cost-free VA healthcare following separation regardless of whether they have a disability rating.
VA telehealth has expanded dramatically over the past several years. As of 2026, the following types of care are routinely available by video at most VA facilities:
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Get Free Claim Help →Routine primary care follow-up visits, medication reviews, chronic disease management (diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia), and preventive care counseling are all available via telehealth. Initial primary care appointments typically still require an in-person visit, but established patients can often shift most follow-up care to video.
VA telehealth has transformed mental health access for veterans. The following mental health services are widely available by video:
For veterans with service-connected PTSD, the ability to access evidence-based therapy from home removes a significant barrier — particularly for veterans whose PTSD symptoms make leaving home difficult. Learn more about VA mental health resources available to veterans.
VA teleaudiology allows veterans to receive hearing evaluations, tinnitus counseling, hearing aid fittings (for some devices), and follow-up appointments remotely using specialized connected devices.
VA clinical pharmacists can conduct medication reviews, reconciliations, and patient education via video. This is particularly valuable for veterans managing multiple medications for service-connected conditions.
Many VA specialty services are available via store-and-forward telehealth or video consultations:
VA prescriptions can be refilled through My HealtheVet. Clinical pharmacist consultations for medication management are available via video.
PTSD therapy, depression treatment, psychiatric medication follow-up, and group therapy all available via VA Video Connect.
Hearing evaluations, tinnitus counseling, and hearing aid management — important for veterans with service-connected hearing loss.
VA Video Connect (VVC) is the VA's HIPAA-compliant video platform. It requires no special equipment beyond a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone. Here's how to get your first video appointment:
VA Video Connect is available as a free app for iOS and Android devices. Search "VA Video Connect" in the App Store or Google Play. On a desktop or laptop, VVC runs in a standard web browser — no download required.
Contact your VA primary care team or mental health provider and request a telehealth appointment. You can do this by:
Not all appointment types are appropriate for telehealth — your provider will determine which visits can be conducted by video. When scheduling, confirm that the appointment will use VA Video Connect.
The VA provides a connection test tool at veterangateway.va.gov/vvc-pre-check to verify your device, camera, microphone, and internet connection are working properly before your first video visit. Running this test at least 24 hours before your appointment prevents last-minute technical issues.
On the day of your appointment, you'll receive a link via email or text. Click the link at your appointment time to join the video call. The provider joins from their side. The visit proceeds just like an in-person appointment — your provider can see and hear you, review your records in real time, and prescribe medications or referrals as needed.
VA Video Connect uses end-to-end encryption and HIPAA-compliant protocols. Your video sessions are not recorded. You should conduct your telehealth visits in a private location where you can speak freely with your provider.
Two digital platforms are central to managing your VA healthcare, including telehealth:
My HealtheVet is the VA's veteran health portal at myhealth.va.gov. Through MHV, enrolled veterans can:
The VA Health and Benefits app (available for iOS and Android) consolidates key VA functions in one mobile interface, including:
For veterans who primarily use smartphones, the VA Health and Benefits app is often the most convenient single entry point for managing both healthcare and benefits.
The VA has made rural veteran telehealth access a priority through its Office of Rural Health (ORH) and several targeted programs:
If internet access is a barrier, the VA can provide veterans with internet-connected tablets through its Digital Divide Consult Program. Veterans without reliable home internet or the necessary devices can ask their VA care team for a Digital Divide Consult to assess whether a VA tablet and data plan can be provided at no cost.
Veterans who can't easily access VA Medical Centers have two main options: telehealth (VA Video Connect) or Community Care (seeing non-VA providers at VA expense). Understanding when each is appropriate helps you get care faster.
| Situation | Best Option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| PTSD therapy follow-up | VA Telehealth (VVC) | VA has specialized PTSD evidence-based programs; telehealth eliminates travel barrier |
| Medication management | VA Telehealth (VVC) | VA pharmacy integration ensures prescriptions are managed within VA system |
| Surgery or procedure | In-person (VAMC or Community Care) | Cannot be performed via video |
| Specialty care not available at your VAMC | Community Care (MISSION Act) | If drive time or wait exceeds VA access standards, Community Care is authorized |
| Urgent non-emergency care | VA Urgent Care (in-network) | VA urgent care at community sites authorized for enrolled veterans |
| Annual physical / preventive care | Either (depends on local wait times) | Many VA primary care teams now offer telehealth wellness visits |
The VA's Community Care program under the MISSION Act provides a complementary pathway when VA care isn't accessible. Telehealth and Community Care are not either/or — many veterans use both, depending on the type of care needed.
If you're already enrolled in VA healthcare and haven't tried telehealth yet, here are the practical steps to get started:
If you're not yet enrolled in VA healthcare, find out if you qualify — enrollment may unlock telehealth and other VA healthcare services you didn't know you were entitled to.
For veterans managing ongoing service-connected disabilities, telehealth makes it dramatically easier to keep treatment records current and thorough — which matters for your VA disability rating. A consistent telehealth treatment history with a VA provider documenting your symptoms over time is exactly the kind of evidence that supports a strong VA disability claim.
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