VA Whole Health Program in Virginia: Personalised Veteran Care
Last reviewed: September 2026
Quick Answer
VA Whole Health is a free, integrative care program available to all enrolled VA patients in Virginia. It combines conventional medical treatment with evidence-based complementary therapies including acupuncture, mindfulness meditation, yoga, tai chi, and nutritional counseling. There is no additional cost or copay for Whole Health services. Virginia veterans access these services through referral from their primary care provider at VA facilities in Hampton, Richmond, and Salem.
Key Facts
- •VA Whole Health integrates conventional medicine with complementary therapies like acupuncture and yoga.
- •All enrolled VA patients in Virginia can access Whole Health services at participating VA facilities.
- •Services are free to eligible veterans; no copay required for Whole Health appointments.
- •Apply through your VA primary care provider or request referral at your local VA medical center.
- •Virginia has Whole Health programs at Hampton, Richmond, and Salem VA Medical Centers.
Federal Eligibility Requirements
VA Whole Health is available to all veterans enrolled in VA health care, regardless of discharge status or service-connected disability rating. Veterans must have an Other Than Dishonorable (OTH) discharge or better to be eligible for VA health care generally, which is the foundation for Whole Health access.
There are no service length requirements specific to Whole Health enrollment. Veterans who meet general VA health care eligibility—which includes all honorably discharged veterans and those with OTH discharges—automatically qualify for Whole Health services. Active duty service members transitioning to veteran status may also access Whole Health through VA's care coordination programs.
Whole Health services are available to spouses and dependents enrolled in CHAMPVA (Civilian Health and Medical Program of the VA) at some VA facilities, though primary eligibility focuses on enrolled veterans. There are no income limits or asset restrictions for Whole Health access; eligibility is based solely on VA health care enrollment status.
Whole Health is an integrative health approach established under 38 U.S.C. section 1701, which grants VA authority to furnish health care services. The program emphasizes veteran partnership in health decisions, addressing physical, mental, social, and spiritual dimensions of wellness. Services are evidence-based and include acupuncture, mindfulness-based stress reduction, yoga, tai chi, healing touch, massage therapy, nutritional counseling, and health coaching. Veterans with service-connected conditions, chronic pain, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and mental health conditions are priority populations, though all enrolled veterans may participate.
Benefit Amounts
VA Whole Health services are provided at no cost to enrolled veterans. There are no copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles for Whole Health visits or services. All complementary therapies—including acupuncture, meditation classes, yoga sessions, tai chi instruction, and health coaching—are fully covered under the VA health care benefit at no out-of-pocket expense to the veteran. Veterans with service-connected disabilities rated at 0% or higher do not pay VA medical copays. Veterans without service connection who have income above certain thresholds may pay standard VA medical copays for primary care, but these copays do not apply to Whole Health services in most VA facilities offering comprehensive Whole Health integration.
Virginia Benefits on Top of Federal
Virginia does not provide state-funded additions to the federal VA Whole Health program. VA Whole Health is exclusively a federal benefit administered through the Department of Veterans Affairs under 38 U.S.C. section 1701.
However, Virginia state government strongly supports VA Whole Health expansion and implementation. The Virginia Department of Veterans Services works collaboratively with VA facilities in Hampton, Richmond, and Salem to promote Whole Health awareness and enrollment among Virginia veterans. The state has not created a parallel state-funded integrative health program for non-VA veterans, meaning VA Whole Health represents the primary source of evidence-based complementary therapy access through the VA system.
Virginia veterans not enrolled in VA health care may access some complementary health services through Virginia's Medicaid program (known as Virginia FAMIS and Virginia Medicaid), which covers acupuncture under certain conditions and other wellness services. However, these state programs operate separately from VA Whole Health and serve different populations. VA Whole Health remains the most comprehensive and cost-free source of integrative care for Virginia veterans who are VA-enrolled.
The lack of state additions reflects the structure of VA benefits, which are federally administered and funded. Virginia state resources focus instead on supporting VA enrollment efforts and helping veterans understand available VA services rather than duplicating federal programs.
How to Apply
Federal VA Application
To access VA Whole Health in Virginia, veterans must first be enrolled in VA health care. Apply for VA enrollment online at VA.gov or in person at any Virginia VA Medical Center.
Once enrolled, request Whole Health services through your primary care provider at your VA facility. Your provider can discuss which complementary therapies align with your health goals and refer you directly to Whole Health practitioners. You can also request Whole Health services by contacting your VA Medical Center's integrative health coordinator or calling your facility's patient advocate.
Virginia's three major VA Medical Centers offering Whole Health services are: Hampton VA Medical Center (757-722-9961), Richmond VA Medical Center (804-675-5000), and Salem VA Medical Center (540-982-2463). Each facility has dedicated Whole Health teams that coordinate acupuncture, meditation classes, yoga, tai chi, massage therapy, health coaching, and other services.
No formal application is required for Whole Health itself. Enrollment is automatic once your referral is processed. Your VA facility will provide you with class schedules, appointment availability, and instructions on how to register for specific services. Some facilities offer virtual Whole Health sessions via VA Video Connect, which you can schedule by phone or through your VA patient portal.
Processing time is typically immediate to 1-2 weeks. After referral, you'll receive contact information for scheduling your first appointment. You can check your referral status through VA.gov or by calling your facility directly. Some Whole Health services operate on a drop-in basis, while others require advance registration.
State Application
Virginia's Department of Veterans Services does not administer a separate state Whole Health application process. All VA Whole Health enrollment flows through the federal VA system.
However, Virginia veterans can contact the Virginia Department of Veterans Services for guidance on accessing Whole Health at the three major VA facilities in the state. The department's toll-free number is 1-800-827-1000 (same as the federal VA line), and you can visit their website at dvs.virginia.gov for resources.
Each Virginia VA Medical Center employs a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) who can explain Whole Health services and help you arrange referrals:
Hampton VA Medical Center: 757-722-9961 — VSO assists with service navigation and referrals.
Richmond VA Medical Center: 804-675-5000 — Integrative Health Coordinator can discuss program options.
Salem VA Medical Center: 540-982-2463 — Primary care teams coordinate Whole Health referrals.
County Veterans Service Offices throughout Virginia also provide free assistance understanding VA benefits, including Whole Health options. You can locate your local VSO through the Virginia Department of Veterans Services website.
No state-specific forms are required. Simply contact your VA facility's primary care department or VSO to discuss Whole Health services. Processing typically occurs within 1-2 weeks. In-person visits to your VA Medical Center are not required to initiate a referral; phone and online options are available.
Common Reasons for Denial
VA Whole Health is not typically "denied" as a benefit because it is available to all VA-enrolled veterans. However, access barriers sometimes occur when referrals are not properly processed or when availability is limited at specific facilities.
Common obstacles include: (1) lack of awareness among primary care providers that Whole Health services exist at the facility, leading to referrals not being made; (2) limited class availability or waitlists at busy VA Medical Centers, particularly for popular services like acupuncture; (3) scheduling conflicts between veteran work or caregiving responsibilities and available class times; (4) insufficient integration between primary care and Whole Health teams, resulting in referrals not reaching the integrative health coordinator.
To strengthen your access, explicitly request Whole Health services at your next primary care visit and ask your provider to place a formal referral in your medical record. If your provider expresses unfamiliarity with the program, contact your facility's Whole Health or integrative health coordinator directly—you do not need a referral to inquire about services or ask about scheduling.
If you encounter a long waitlist, ask about virtual Whole Health options (meditation, yoga, and health coaching are increasingly available via VA Video Connect). Document any barriers you experience and report them to your VA facility's patient advocate, who can escalate access concerns. Request copies of all referrals and follow-up communications to ensure your request reaches the Whole Health team. If a facility claims it does not offer Whole Health services, escalate to the facility director or the VA's Veterans Crisis Line at 988, then press 1.
If You Are Denied: The Appeals Process
VA Whole Health services are not subject to formal denial or appeals processes in the traditional sense because they represent an integrated care option available to all enrolled veterans rather than a specific disability benefit claim.
However, if you believe your access to Whole Health services has been wrongfully denied or improperly delayed, you can file a complaint through the VA's patient advocate system. Contact your VA Medical Center's patient advocate (available by phone or in person) and file a formal complaint describing the access barrier. The patient advocate will investigate and work to resolve the issue within 10 business days.
If a primary care provider refuses to provide a Whole Health referral, you may escalate to the facility's Chief of Primary Care or Chief Medical Officer. Request a written explanation for any refusal to refer, as this creates documentation that supports escalation.
For broader concerns about facility-level Whole Health availability, contact the VA's Congressional Relations Office or file a complaint with the VA Office of Inspector General at oig.va.gov. You can also contact your U.S. Representative or Senator, who have constituent services teams that can inquire into VA service delivery issues.
Free help is available through your local Veterans Service Officer (VSO) or through accredited VSO organizations like the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA). These organizations can advocate on your behalf and help document barriers to access. No time limit applies to seeking assistance with Whole Health access issues, as these are service delivery matters rather than formal disability claims.
Confused about how to access VA Whole Health or how it fits with your other benefits? Free help is available from accredited Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) at your local county VSO office or through organizations like the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA). These professionals can answer your questions and help you navigate referrals at no cost.
Get notified when VA benefit rates change
Benefit rates and eligibility rules update — usually each January. We'll let you know when they do.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of complementary therapies are included in VA Whole Health?
VA Whole Health includes a wide range of evidence-based complementary therapies. The core services typically include acupuncture (used for chronic pain, headaches, and PTSD symptoms), mindfulness-based stress reduction (8-week group classes), yoga for various conditions including balance and flexibility, tai chi for gentle movement and relaxation, healing touch or massage therapy for tension and healing, health coaching for goal-setting and lifestyle change, and nutritional counseling for diet optimization. Some facilities also offer meditation classes, breathing techniques, and art or music therapy. All services are delivered by trained VA clinicians or contracted specialists. The specific services available vary by facility, so check with your local VA Medical Center to see which therapies are currently offered. Services are integrated with conventional medical care, so your primary care provider knows about your participation in Whole Health programs.
Do I need a referral from my doctor to access VA Whole Health services?
While a referral from your primary care provider is the standard pathway to Whole Health services, you do not necessarily need one to inquire about or access programs. You can contact your VA facility's Whole Health or integrative health coordinator directly to ask about available services, class schedules, and how to register. Many facilities allow veterans to self-refer or drop in to group classes like yoga or meditation without advance referral. However, for individual services like acupuncture or personalized health coaching, a provider referral typically strengthens your access and ensures the service is documented in your medical record. If your primary care provider has not mentioned Whole Health, ask explicitly at your next appointment: 'I'm interested in acupuncture [or another service]. Can you refer me to the Whole Health program?' Your provider should be able to place a referral the same day.
Is there any cost to participate in VA Whole Health, and does it affect my other VA benefits?
VA Whole Health services are completely free to all enrolled VA veterans. There are no copayments, deductibles, or coinsurance charges for any Whole Health service, including acupuncture, classes, or health coaching. Participation in Whole Health does not affect any other VA benefits you receive—disability compensation, pension, education benefits, health care coverage, or any other VA entitlements remain unchanged. Whole Health services are fully covered under your VA health care benefit and represent an expansion of services available to you at no additional cost. Even veterans with income above VA thresholds who normally pay standard VA medical copays are not charged for Whole Health services. Whole Health is also available to spouses and dependents enrolled in CHAMPVA at some VA facilities, again at no cost.
Can I receive VA Whole Health services if I have a service-connected disability rating, and can I use it for my PTSD or chronic pain?
Yes, all veterans with any service-connected disability rating—including 0% rating—can access VA Whole Health services. Veterans with service-connected PTSD, traumatic brain injury, chronic pain, or mental health conditions are specifically encouraged to participate, as Whole Health therapies are evidence-based treatments for these conditions. Acupuncture is widely used for chronic pain management and has strong research support. Mindfulness-based stress reduction and yoga are effective for PTSD symptoms. Health coaching supports behavioral health goals across all conditions. Your primary care provider or mental health clinician can discuss which Whole Health services align with your specific conditions. Many veterans report that combining conventional medical treatment with Whole Health therapies improves their outcomes. If you have PTSD or chronic pain, specifically ask your provider: 'Which Whole Health services would help my condition?' This ensures the referral addresses your health priorities.
How do I find out which Whole Health services are available at my nearest VA facility in Virginia?
Virginia's three major VA Medical Centers offering comprehensive Whole Health services are Hampton VA Medical Center (757-722-9961), Richmond VA Medical Center (804-675-5000), and Salem VA Medical Center (540-982-2463). Call your nearest facility and ask to speak with the Whole Health coordinator, integrative health team, or patient advocate. They can tell you exactly which services are currently available, provide class schedules and times, explain how to register, and discuss virtual options via VA Video Connect if in-person attendance is difficult. You can also visit VA.gov and search for 'Whole Health near me' to find participating facilities. Your primary care provider's office can also provide a list of available services. Some services are offered on recurring schedules (weekly yoga or meditation classes), while others may require individual appointments (acupuncture, health coaching). Ask about waitlists and virtual alternatives if the service you want has limited in-person availability. Many facilities are expanding virtual Whole Health offerings, making access easier for veterans with transportation or scheduling challenges.
Related Benefits in Virginia
Sources & References
- 38 U.S.C. section 1701 — Establishes VA authority to furnish health care to veterans
- 38 C.F.R. section 17.38 — Defines VA medical services and preventive health care standards
- VA Directive 1130.01 — Establishes VA Whole Health strategic framework and implementation
- 38 U.S.C. section 1710 — Authorizes VA to furnish eligible veterans with hospital care and medical services
VA benefit rules and state programmes change. Verify at va.gov or with a free Veterans Service Officer.
Editorial standards: This guide is reviewed against primary government sources and cites 4 statutes. Last reviewed September 2026. Scheduled for re-verification by September 2027.
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