(Photo: Gustavo Fring)
The VA announced on December 4 that Women Veterans can now schedule appointments directly with VA gynecology specialists without first obtaining a referral from a primary care provider. The change takes effect immediately and removes a step that often caused delays for those seeking women’s health services.
More than one million women Veterans currently enrolled in VA care are expected to benefit from the new process. VA officials said this change supports the fastest-growing segment of the Veteran population. Today, more than 2.1 million Women Veterans live in the United States. By 2040, they are projected to make up 18 percent of all Veterans, compared with 4 percent in 2000.
VA Secretary Doug Collins said the decision reinforces the department’s focus on improving access and reducing hurdles for those seeking care.
“This is what it looks like when VA is focused on putting Veterans first. By relentlessly focusing on customer service and convenience, we are building a department that works better for the men and women we are charged with serving,” he said.
This update arrives during an ongoing effort to improve efficiency and expand services under the second Trump Administration. The VA reports that the backlog of Veterans waiting for benefits has dropped by 57 percent since early 2025. It also says it has cleared the backlog of Veteran Families who were waiting for health care.
The department processed a record three million disability claims this past fiscal year and has opened 20 new health care clinics across the country since January 2025. Over the same period, the VA expanded appointment availability beyond regular business hours, resulting in more than 1.4 million early morning, evening, and weekend visits.
Women Veterans continue to take part in major VA research programs, including the Million Veteran Program. More than 100,000 women are now enrolled in studies examining breast cancer, endometriosis, osteoarthritis, heart disease, and other conditions that affect women at higher rates. The VA plans to encourage additional participation from women and minority Veterans as it prepares future research efforts.
To support the latest policy change, the VA will continue outreach efforts to ensure Women Veterans are informed about their options. Assistance remains available through the Women Veterans Call Center and dedicated coordinators at every VA medical center, who can help with health care guidance, benefits information, and appointment scheduling.
The new process is expected to increase access to gynecology care and reduce delays that discouraged some women from seeking treatment within the VA system.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted family connection to the military, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
