The VA health care system is administered by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), a branch of the VA that is separate from the Veterans Benefits Administration that runs the VA compensation and pension programs. The VA health care system is the nation’s largest system of health care delivery.

Veterans are not automatically entitled to VA hospital care, nursing home care, or out-patient treatment simply because they are veterans. VA medical care is principally directed toward treating medical problems related to veterans’ military service and towards helping some low-income veterans. Certain veterans are eligible for free medical care and medications at VA facilities. Other veterans must pay part of the cost of their care.

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