Care without limits: How VA telehealth is reaching Veterans where they are
Satisfaction with telehealth at the VA is at a record high for the sixth year in a row
Every veteran has unique care needs, and the VA strives to meet those needs with the highest quality of care possible. Telehealth is an important part of that mission, as the VA is committed to expanding access to care and helping to ensure that where a veteran lives does not limit the services they can receive. As of the start of fiscal year 2026, 92.5% of veterans who received telehealth services said they were satisfied with their experience, a number on track to increase for the sixth year in a row.
For 68-year-old veteran Gerry Pennington, telehealth made his recovery from major surgery easier. Access to telehealth allowed Pennington to continue seeing his physical therapist without having to drive to the nearest VA facility. In addition to saving him the time and inconvenience of travel, telehealth helped him avoid the stress of dealing with a medical problem in public.
“It allowed me to keep my dignity,” he said.
For another veteran named Fullmer, who is 56, receiving appointments from home made mental health care more accessible and, as he described it, ‘eye-opening’.”
“It’s a lot easier to talk when you’re in a comfortable environment,” Fullmer said.
Telehealth continues to play an increasingly important role in providing care for veterans across the country. The increasing use of telehealth reflects more than convenience; it also shows that veterans have confidence in the quality of care provided through virtual care.
Record satisfaction with telehealth
Between October 1, 2025 and April 30, 2026, more than 2.3 million veterans participated in more than 8.7 million episodes of health care via telehealth.
The number of episodes of care reflects a 2.2% increase over the same time last year and puts the VA on track to set a record for telehealth use.
“These results reflect the VA’s ongoing efforts to ensure that veterans feel safe and satisfied with the care they receive through telehealth,” said Dr. Kevin Galpin, executive director of VA Telehealth Services. “Whether through virtual appointments, mobile apps or secure messaging, VA will continue to expand and strengthen its use of telehealth to improve access, experience and outcomes for Veterans.”
One of the most commonly used technologies is VA VA Video ConnectVA’s secure video conferencing app, which allows veterans and their caregivers to meet with service providers from anywhere in the United States via video conferencing.
“For me, being able to sit in my chair and get help, instead of struggling to physically get to an appointment, makes all the difference,” he said. Jim Smith, Army veteran about using VA Video Connect for your health exams.
More ways to connect
The VA offers veterans multiple ways to get involved in their health care services. More than 60 mobile applications are designed to help veterans improve their health outside of the traditional clinical setting. And with My HealtheVet on VA.govthe VA’s modern digital health service, veterans can now manage their prescriptions, appointments and medical records in the same place they manage other VA benefits and services. Telehealth helps VA provide critical mental health, primary care and cancer care to veterans.
Learn more about VA Telehealth Services.
