To receive health care, veterans generally must be enrolled. Veterans do not have to be enrolled if they: (1) have a service-connected (SC) disability of 50 percent or more; or (2) need care for a compensable disability. A veteran may apply for enrollment at any VA health care facility or veterans' benefits office at any time. There is no time limit. A form, "Application for Health Benefits," VA Form 10-10EZ, must be completed and can be submitted in person or by mail.

Application forms can be obtained by visiting, calling or writing any VA health care facility or veterans' benefits office, or by calling toll-free 1-877-222-VETS (8387).

Application via the Internet is also available at www.va.gov/healthbenefits/apply/. For information on VA's comprehensive health benefits, eligibility and enrollment you can access VA at www.va.gov/healtheligibility.

For a new VA patient, not already enrolled, the application for enrollment will be generated automatically as part of the patient registration process at the first visit to a VA health care facility. After the veteran has enrolled, VA will send a letter from the VA Health Eligibility Center notifying the veteran of his/her priority group. However, this letter is not necessary to initially receive treatment. Check with the local VA health care facility if there is uncertainty about a veteran's enrollment status.

Once enrolled, most veterans will remain enrolled without further action on their part. However, certain veterans are required to provide income information to determine their priority level. These veterans will be mailed VA Form 10-10EZ for completion on an annual basis for re-enrollment. Failure to update this information could adversely affect a veteran's enrollment status.