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Key points
- The Veterans Administration was created in 1930; since 1988, the cabinet-level department has been called the Department of Veterans Affairs.[1]
- VA eligibility depends on the benefit, service dates, and character of discharge. For VA health care, a 24-month rule applies to many later enlistees, with important exceptions.[2]
- VA health-care priority group, service, and income rules affect how much a Veteran may pay; enrollment does not mean every service has no cost.[3]
- The department's three primary organizations are the Veterans Health Administration, Veterans Benefits Administration, and National Cemetery Administration.[4]
The Veterans Administration is the former name for today's U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA is a federal department that administers health care, disability and other benefits, education and training programs, home-loan programs, and burial and memorial services. The rules are different for each benefit, so check the current guidance at VA.gov rather than relying on a universal service-length rule.[4][2]
What was the purpose of the Veterans Administration?
On July 21, 1930, President Herbert Hoover signed Executive Order 5398, consolidating three agencies that administered Veterans benefits into one entity called the Veterans Administration. The Veterans Bureau, created by Congress in 1921, was among the agencies brought into the new organization.[1]
The VA's work has expanded over time. Its current mission includes health care, disability compensation, education and training, home loans, life insurance, pensions, and burial and memorial benefits. Eligibility and application requirements depend on the specific program.[5][4]
When did Veterans Administration become Veterans Affairs?
The Veterans Administration was officially abolished when President Ronald Reagan signed the Department of Veterans Affairs Act on October 25, 1988. The law elevated the organization to a Cabinet-level department and re-designated it as the Department of Veterans Affairs. The familiar initials "VA" remained in use.[1]
Who runs the Department of Veterans Affairs?
As of October 11, 2026, Douglas A. Collins is the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. The Secretary is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Leadership can change, so use VA's current Secretary page for the latest official listing.[4]
What does the VA do?
VA health care can include primary and specialty care, mental health services, prescriptions, medical equipment, prosthetics, and other services for eligible, enrolled Veterans. A Veteran's priority group may affect both access and how much, if anything, the Veteran pays. Copays and other costs can apply, so check the current rules for each service.[5][3]
Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
VHA delivers VA health care through medical centers, clinics, and other care settings. Facility and enrollment counts change; use VA's current health-care pages for maintained information.[5]
Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
VBA administers programs such as disability compensation, pensions, education and training, home loans, and insurance. Each program has its own eligibility and application process.[4]
National Cemetery Administration (NCA)
NCA maintains VA national cemeteries and separately supports grant-funded state, territory, and tribal Veterans cemeteries. Burial eligibility varies by service and family relationship; use the current cemetery directory and eligibility guidance.[6]
Who is eligible for VA benefits?
There is no single service-length rule that decides eligibility for every VA benefit. Eligibility depends on the program, dates and character of service, discharge status, and sometimes income or other circumstances. For VA health care, Veterans who enlisted after September 7, 1980, or entered active duty after October 16, 1981, generally must have served 24 continuous months or the full period called, subject to exceptions such as certain service-connected disabilities, hardship discharges, early-outs, and earlier service.[2]
How can I contact the VA?
For general information, use the VA Contact Us page or VA's MyVA411 main information line, 1-800-698-2411. For health-benefit questions, the VA health benefits hotline is 1-877-222-8387. For disability compensation, pension, survivors benefits, claims, or appeals, use the benefits contact route listed on VA's current contact page; numbers and hours can change.[7][5]
Where can I learn more?
For VA and Medicare coordination, read our VA health care and Medicare guide. You can also browse the Veterans Medicare FAQ or learn about agencies in the Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans Advantage Financial® is an independent insurance agency, not affiliated with or endorsed by VA or any government agency.
Common questions
Is the Veterans Administration the same as the VA?
The Veterans Administration was the former name. Since 1988, the official name has been the Department of Veterans Affairs, commonly called VA.[1]
Do you have to serve 24 months to qualify for VA benefits?
Not for every benefit. VA eligibility depends on the program and your service details. The 24-continuous-month or full-period rule applies to many people seeking VA health care who entered service after specified dates, with exceptions.[2]
Is VA health care free for every Veteran?
No blanket promise applies. Priority group, service, and income can affect how much you pay, and copays may apply. Check current VA cost and eligibility rules for the specific care.[3]
What are the three main parts of the VA?
The Department of Veterans Affairs has three primary subordinate organizations: the Veterans Health Administration, Veterans Benefits Administration, and National Cemetery Administration.[4]
Sources
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “July 21, 1930: Creation of the Veterans Administration.” VA History Office. department.va.gov/history/va-created
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “Eligibility for VA health care.” VA.gov, last updated April 3, 2026. va.gov/health-care/eligibility
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “VA priority groups.” VA.gov. va.gov/health-care/eligibility/priority-groups
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “Secretary of Veterans Affairs.” VA.gov, last updated October 9, 2025. department.va.gov/administrations-and-offices/secretary
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “VA health care.” VA.gov, last updated June 25, 2026. va.gov/health-care
- National Cemetery Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “Find a Cemetery.” VA.gov, last updated August 6, 2026. cem.va.gov/cem/cems/listcem.asp
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “Contact us.” VA.gov, last updated June 23, 2026. va.gov/contact-us
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “Veteran suicide prevention.” VA.gov. va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/mental-health/suicide-prevention
Sources checked October 11, 2026. Dollar amounts are for 2026 unless noted.
This is general education, not personal advice, and it isn’t a recommendation of any specific plan. Veterans Advantage Financial® is a licensed insurance agency, not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare, Social Security, VA, TRICARE or any government agency. Plan availability, costs and benefits vary by plan, county and year. Check your own situation with the agency or plan before making changes.
Christopher Duncan
Christopher founded Veterans Advantage Financial® and has helped people with Medicare since 2006. He is a licensed insurance agent in all 50 states and DC (NPN 8613503). His dad, Wallace, is a Vietnam-era veteran.