How to file a CHAMPVA claim yourself (VA Form 10-7959a), step by step
Educational information only, not medical, legal, or insurance advice. Confirm with CHAMPVA and your provider. Last verified against VA.gov: October 9, 2026 (VA page updated Jul 15, 2026). Changelog
Most of the time the provider files. File yourself only when you paid out of pocket.
- Check the deadline. Within 1 year of the date of care, or 1 year after leaving the hospital for inpatient stays.
- Set up direct deposit. VA requires it to pay you back. Family members set it up through the VA Financial Services Center’s Customer Engagement Portal.
- Get an itemized bill (CMS-1500, UB-04, or superbill) showing your name and date of birth; the provider’s name, title, and tax ID; the service address; dates, charges, and quantities; diagnosis (ICD-10) codes; and procedure (CPT or HCPCS) codes.
- Get proof you paid: a receipt or a bill marked “paid.”
- If you have other insurance: attach its EOB with the date of service, provider name, the provider’s NPI (if not on the bill), services paid, and amount paid. Kaiser members also send a copy of the card showing copays.
- For prescriptions: a pharmacy printout with the pharmacy’s contact info, drug name, strength, quantity, cost and copay, 11-digit NDC, fill date, and prescriber.
- File online through VA.gov, or mail VA Form 10-7959a with your documents to VHA Office of Integrated Veteran Care, CHAMPVA Claims, PO Box 500, Spring City, PA 19475. Copy the backs of two-sided pages, because VA scans one side only.
- Wait about 90 days. You’ll get an EOB. If VA asks for more information, you have 1 year to respond.
Printable: claim checklist. Problems? See Denied claim?