VA Tests Assisted Account Setup at Six Medical Centers

On October 7, 2026, VA announced a pilot that lets veterans use CLEAR pods with staff assistance to create VA.gov accounts at six medical centers. The locations named were Atlanta; Brooklyn, New York; Orlando, Florida; Palo Alto, California; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Washington, DC.

What the Pilot Changes

The pilot concerns setting up online account access. VA’s announcement tells participants to bring a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID and have a phone number and personal email address. Staff help with the setup process.

VA described the option as free and voluntary. Existing sign-in options remain available, and declining CLEAR does not affect access to VA benefits or services. Expansion to other facilities depends on the pilot’s results; the announcement does not establish nationwide availability.

Account Access Is Not a Claim Decision

An account can help a veteran reach online VA services. Creating one is not the same as filing a complete disability claim, establishing service connection, or receiving a rating. The announcement does not change compensation eligibility or promise faster decisions on individual claims.

For the substantive filing steps, use our VA evidence and forms guide. The VA disability hub explains compensation, exams, and decision reviews.

Official Next Step

Check with a participating VA medical center before traveling for account-setup assistance. Use VA’s official application instructions for a claim. Do not send identity documents, account credentials, or medical records to this website’s general inquiry form.

Official Sources

• VA launches pilot program to speed Veterans’ access to services, care, benefits
• How To File A VA Disability Claim | Veterans Affairs

Checked October 20, 2026. Independent educational reporting, not an agency announcement or individualized advice. We are not affiliated with Medicare, SSA, or VA. About our AI-assisted guides.