VA Whole Health Program in Colorado: Personalised Veteran Care

VA Whole Health is available to all veterans who are enrolled in VA healthcare, regardless of service-connected status, discharge characterization (as long as it is honorable or general), or disability rating. Veterans must have a valid discharge from active duty with an honorable or general discharge. The program serves veterans from all eras of service, including those who served during peacetime or wartime. There are no age restrictions, income limits, or asset limits for enrollment in VA Whole Health.

To access Whole Health services, veterans must first be enrolled in VA healthcare through the VA health eligibility system. Enrollment requires proof of military service (DD Form 214 or equivalent) and citizenship or lawful permanent residency. Once enrolled as a VA patient, all services are available at no additional cost beyond standard VA care copayments, which vary by disability rating. Veterans with 50% or higher service-connected disability rating and Purple Heart recipients pay no copayments.

Whole Health services are offered through VA medical centers and community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs) nationwide. Specific service availability depends on facility capacity and staffing. Colorado veterans access Whole Health primarily through the Denver VA Medical Center, which offers comprehensive integrative services. Additionally, some services may be available through VA's telehealth platform, allowing veterans to participate remotely from anywhere in Colorado.

Surviving spouses and dependents of deceased veterans may also access Whole Health services if they are enrolled as VA beneficiaries under CHAMPVA or other VA health benefits programs. There are no restrictions based on gender, sexual orientation, or marital status. The program emphasizes personalized, veteran-centered care that integrates conventional medical treatment with complementary therapies chosen by the veteran in collaboration with their healthcare team.

VA Whole Health services are provided at no additional charge beyond standard VA medical care copayments. Most veterans with service-connected disabilities rated at 50% or higher pay zero copayments for all VA care, including Whole Health services. Veterans with lower disability ratings or non-service-connected conditions pay standard VA copayment rates, which are adjusted annually. As of 2024, typical VA primary care copayments range from $0–$15 per visit, depending on disability rating and income. Specialty service copayments such as acupuncture or massage therapy may be $0–$30 per visit based on disability rating. Veterans with combined household income below the VA means test threshold receive free care.

The VA does not charge separate fees for Whole Health enrollment or participation. All complementary and integrative health services covered under the Whole Health umbrella—including acupuncture, massage, meditation classes, nutrition counseling, and health coaching—are included in standard VA benefits. Copayments may apply based on the veteran's disability rating and eligibility category, but the program itself adds no cost to VA healthcare enrollment. Veterans receiving VA pension or those with zero copayment status due to disability rating pay nothing for Whole Health services.

Colorado does not provide a separate state-funded Whole Health program or additional state benefits layered on top of the federal VA Whole Health initiative. VA Whole Health is exclusively a federal program administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and there is no Colorado state enhancement or duplication of these services.

However, Colorado does support veterans' access to Whole Health through coordination with VA medical facilities. The State of Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs works closely with the Denver VA Medical Center and VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System to inform veterans about available services and facilitate enrollment. Additionally, Colorado's county veterans service offices (located in most counties) provide referral and counseling services to help veterans navigate VA healthcare options, including Whole Health programs.

Colorado does operate separate state veterans health programs, such as grants for veterans' mental health treatment through community providers, but these are distinct from VA Whole Health. Veterans in Colorado seeking integrative or alternative health services outside the VA system may also access Colorado state resources for behavioral health, substance use treatment, or preventive wellness programs through the Department of Human Services. However, for veterans enrolled in VA healthcare, VA Whole Health remains the primary comprehensive integrative care option.

The VA Denver Medical Center's Whole Health program is fully integrated into standard VA care delivery and is available to all Colorado veterans without any state-specific eligibility restrictions or requirements. Colorado residency is not required to access Denver VA services; veterans from neighboring states and veterans living out-of-state can also participate in Whole Health programs offered by the Denver facility, including telehealth options.

Veterans typically do not experience "denial" of VA Whole Health services in the traditional sense because the program is available to all enrolled VA patients. However, barriers to accessing Whole Health services can occur and include the following:

First, veterans who are not yet enrolled in VA healthcare cannot access Whole Health. If your VA healthcare enrollment application is denied due to ineligibility (e.g., dishonorable discharge, failure to prove military service, or citizenship issues), you will not be able to access Whole Health until enrollment is corrected. To resolve this, contact your county veterans service office or the VA at 1-877-222-8387 with additional discharge documentation, such as a certified copy of your DD Form 214 from NARA or your state's military records office.

Second, specific Whole Health services may have limited availability at certain VA facilities due to staffing shortages or resource constraints. If a particular service (such as acupuncture or massage therapy) is not available at your local VA facility, request referral to a VA facility that offers it or inquire about telehealth options. The VA Denver Medical Center offers a broader range of Whole Health services than some smaller CBOCs; transfer of care requests can sometimes be accommodated.

Third, some veterans encounter delays in scheduling Whole Health appointments due to high demand. While not a "denial," lengthy wait times are common at larger facilities. Strategies to improve access include asking for a telehealth appointment, joining group programs (which typically have shorter wait times), or requesting appointment at a less-busy CBOC.

Fourth, veterans may face difficulty obtaining referrals if their primary care provider is not familiar with Whole Health services. To overcome this, request a direct referral to the Whole Health Coordinator at your VA facility, or attend a Whole Health orientation session (typically open to all enrolled patients). Documentation of your interest in integrative care can support your referral request.

VA Whole Health is not typically a benefit that is formally denied or appealed in the traditional VA appeals process under 38 U.S.C. § 7104. However, if you believe you have been wrongfully denied enrollment in VA healthcare (which would prevent access to Whole Health), or if you face barriers to accessing specific Whole Health services, you may pursue a formal appeal or complaint.

If your VA healthcare enrollment is denied, you can file a Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review (HLR), or Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) appeal using the VA's three-lane appeals process established by the VA MISSION Act of 2018. You have one year from the date of your enrollment denial letter to file an appeal. For Supplemental Claims, submit new evidence supporting your eligibility (such as corrected military discharge papers). For Higher-Level Review, request a more senior VA official review your case without new evidence. For Board of Veterans' Appeals, request formal hearing before the Board.

If you are enrolled in VA healthcare but cannot access Whole Health services due to facility unavailability or provider reluctance, file a complaint with the VA Patient Advocate at your local VA medical center or through VA.gov/Feedback. Include details about the service you requested, the date of your request, and the reason given for denial. The Patient Advocate investigates and advocates on your behalf at no cost.

Additionally, if you believe your disability rating—which affects your copayment status for Whole Health services—is incorrect, you can appeal your rating decision using the same three-lane appeals process. Contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000 for rating appeal guidance. All appeal assistance is free through Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) and the VA's Veterans Benefits Counselors. Colorado's county veterans service offices provide free appeal representation.