For direct online access to VA benefits and resources, create an account here.

There’s a service offered through the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) health care system that’s not time-consuming, not expensive, easily-attainable and can potentially save vets from pain, suffering and even worse from the hands of the following afflictions and conditions: cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, Parkinson’s, stroke, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety and many more.

It’s an annual checkup — or physical — conducted by a VA physician and members of the VA medical team, and it’s not hyperbole when someone says “it can save a veteran’s (or a family member’s) life.”

Diagnosing disease early, disallowing its progress before symptoms may arise, can be a key in coming out on top — and eradicating it once and for all.

It can also facilitate changes that can lessen one’s risk to develop a life-threatening disease, i.e. offer solutions to quit smoking, or find a avenues to a regular workout regimen and/or a healthy, balanced diet — even check cholesterol levels and perform other vital screenings and tests (colonoscopy, pap smear, breast exam, etc.)

If you’re a veteran who’s enrolled in the VA health care system, simply click here to securely message your doctor (or other members of your medical team) to schedule an appointment for your yearly checkup.

If you haven’t enrolled in VA care, click here to do so.