VA Community Care Guide

VA Community Care eligibility

Quick answer: Veterans may qualify for VA Community Care when the needed service is unavailable at a VA facility, the wait or drive is too long, or the VA care team agrees community care is in the Veteran's best medical interest.

Last updated 2026-06-23. This independent guide is for research and does not replace VA referral authorization, eligibility decisions, or provider office verification.

What to do next

  1. Ask the VA care team whether the service can be authorized through VA Community Care.
  2. Confirm the referral, authorization dates, and the care type before contacting an outside provider.
  3. Use the directory to compare relevant provider, city, state, and care-category pages.
  4. Verify participation, availability, address, and scheduling details with the provider office.

Frequently asked questions

Who decides whether a Veteran is eligible for VA Community Care?

The VA care team and VA authorization process determine whether community care is approved. This directory helps Veterans research options, but it does not authorize care.

Can I schedule with an outside provider before VA authorization?

Veterans should confirm VA referral authorization before scheduling outside care if they expect VA Community Care coverage.

Does this directory replace VA eligibility guidance?

No. VA Community Care Directory is independent and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Related VA community care pages

VA Community Care Directory is independent and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans should verify eligibility, referral authorization, provider participation, appointment availability, address, and phone details before scheduling.