We know that interacting with VA can sometimes be complicated and frustrating. That’s why VA is working to modernize our online tools as quickly as possible, using direct feedback from Veterans, caretakers and dependents. Already, VA has made improvements to our digital tools that make it easier than ever before to access VA care and services online. Veterans can expect many more improvements to come over the next year as VA pursues an ambitious modernization plan.

Here are some recent improvements that Veterans can take advantage of now:

  • Veterans not currently enrolled in VA health care can apply online using a simple, mobile-friendly application. Already, over 275,000 applications have been submitted using this tool.
  • Existing VA patients can now schedule appointments online for primary care, audiology, optometry, and outpatient mental health at over 100 participating medical centers across the country.
  • VA patients can also now message their health care team or refill a prescription from their smartphone.
  • We’ve completely rebuilt the way Veterans, Servicemembers, and their dependents apply for education, pension and burial benefits, making accessing these benefits easier than ever before.
  • The GI Bill Comparison tool helps Veterans learn about education programs and compare benefits by school. Veterans can also check the status of their Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits and access a statement of benefits to verify eligibility with their school.
  • We have created a streamlined way for Veterans to check the status of their claims and appeals in one place. Veterans can use this tool today and thanks to the support of Congress, we’ll be making even more improvements in the Appeals process over the coming 18 months.

We’re working every day to create better online experiences to help Veterans access their benefits and VA’s services. Please give these recently improved tools a try – and let us know what you think. We are looking for Veterans, caretakers, and dependents to participate in 45-minute feedback sessions, which can be done in person or remotely, to help us continue to improve VA’s online tools. As a thank you, participants will receive a $25 thank you gift for their time. If you would like to help, please tell us how to contact you or email feedback@va.gov.

About the author: Alex Loehr is the deputy chief technology officer for VA.

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10 Comments

  1. cornelius higgins December 5, 2017 at 02:59

    I am a marine vet. I was station in north carolina in 1972-1973. i flied my claim for the contaminate water a wile back and i was wondering how can find out about the status of my claim?

  2. EDWARD W. CHUPP December 1, 2017 at 16:34

    THANK YOU FOR THIS UPDATED INFORMATION. 7760039 NAVY 1964 1972 HONORABLE D.D 214. 7th FLEET U.S TAPPAHANNOCK AO 43. EDWARD WILLIAM CHUPP.CALIFORNIA, TREASURE ISLAND BOOT ENLISTED S.F. WORKED AT HUNTERS POINT NAVAL SHIPYARDS, SHOP 64 ASBESTOS REMOVAL AND RETRO FIT. MIDWAY AND CORAL SEA CARRIERS. S.S (redacted)

  3. Michael B Brown December 1, 2017 at 12:16

    Good day sir. I am questioning with the “new” VA educational benefits that your email has outlined how I and my wife, both “retired” Navy veterans are UNABLE to take advantage of these educational benifits?  

    We are both struggling also with “Service Connected Disabilities” that neither of us us getting compensated for.   I’ve been to the VA twice to no avail concerning both issues.  Any assistance with these matters would be greatly appreciated. 

    M. B. Brown

    USN Ret.

    • Michael Dorsey December 9, 2017 at 12:01

      If you have the commissary letter that documents your injuries you can go to any military base DEERS office and access your benefits. You must have proper documentation. The good news is it is all in the DoD archives referenced to your service number.

  4. Donald L. Schneider December 1, 2017 at 10:00

    I have had a disastrous time trying to access “My Healthy Vet” on line. I can’t even begin to think how I can by-pass a screwed up system to apply for the new ID card. I cannot access “My Healthy Vet” because they will not accept my sign in attempts and have some secret I.D. questions that are apparently aimed at another Vet. I can’t access the account to investigate the source of these ID questions and the VA on-line system refuses to accept my information. Makes you frustrated enough to chew your leg off !

  5. Douglas November 27, 2017 at 20:22

    Keep up the good work !

  6. Douglas November 27, 2017 at 20:20

    Keep up the good eork !

  7. lawrence sapudar November 27, 2017 at 18:50

    Thank You for all your HELP

  8. lawrence sapudar November 27, 2017 at 18:48

    Thanks for all the information

  9. william kelleher November 27, 2017 at 14:39

    When will I be able to obtain a VID card? I served in USAF back in the 1960s, but my application for health benefits has been denied. I am in the process of appeal, but in the meanwhile I understand there is an official ID card available for those who served even though they do not receive health benefits.

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