What the Secretary of Veterans Affairs does
Provides health care, benefits, and support to America's military veterans.
Common misconceptions(2)
- Handles active-duty military health careActually: Active-duty service members are treated by the Department of Defense's military health system. VA only starts once a person leaves active duty.
- All veterans get free health careActually: Eligibility depends on service history, disabilities, and income. Many veterans qualify, but not all — it's a means-tested system.