Reviewed August 2, 2026

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

VA is the federal department responsible for major Veterans benefits and services, including health care, disability compensation, education, home loans, pensions, burials, and decision reviews.

Federal department · United States

VA provides federal benefits and services for eligible Veterans, service members, families, caregivers, and survivors. Eligibility and the correct application route depend on the specific benefit and the person’s circumstances.

What VA manages

  • Veterans health care through the Veterans Health Administration.
  • Disability compensation, pension, education, home-loan, insurance, employment, and related benefits through the Veterans Benefits Administration.
  • Burial and memorial benefits through the National Cemetery Administration.
  • Appeals to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals and other decision-review options established by VA.
  • Official VA forms, online benefit services, facilities, regional offices, and accredited-representative information.

What VA does not manage

  • VA does not administer Social Security retirement, SSDI, or SSI benefits.
  • VA does not control state Veterans benefits, state taxes, or local property-tax exemptions.
  • The Department of Defense and military branches maintain many active-duty and service records outside VA.
  • VA cannot guarantee approval, a disability rating, an effective date, or a processing time before reviewing an individual claim.

Major VA components

Official public channels

Related resources