VA Form 10-0137: VA Advance Directive - Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and Living Will
VA Form 10-0137 is the VA's advance directive. It lets a veteran name a health care agent to make decisions if the veteran cannot, and record treatment preferences in a living will that VA providers will follow.
This is the genuine VA PDF, unmodified. Source: VA official page.
What is VA Form 10-0137?
VA Form 10-0137, VA Advance Directive: Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and Living Will, combines two documents in one. The durable power of attorney section names a health care agent, and an alternate, who can make medical decisions for you if you lose the ability to decide for yourself. The living will section records your preferences about treatments such as life-sustaining care, artificial nutrition and hydration, and mental health care, and includes space for your own instructions and values.
Once signed and witnessed, the directive is placed in your VA health record so providers across VA medical, mental health, and long-term care settings can honor it. VA Form 10-0137A, Your Rights Regarding Advance Directives, explains the choices before you complete the form, and you can change or revoke the directive at any time while you can still make decisions. The current form revision is dated March 2024.
Who files VA Form 10-0137?
- Veterans receiving VA health care who want to name someone to make medical decisions if they cannot
- Veterans who want their treatment wishes, including mental health preferences, documented in their VA record
- Veterans facing surgery, serious illness, or long-term care planning
- Veterans updating or replacing an older advance directive after a life change
How to fill out VA Form 10-0137
- Read VA Form 10-0137A first so you understand your rights and options, and talk with your family and your VA care team about your wishes.
- Name your health care agent and an alternate, choosing people who understand your values and are willing to act for you.
- Complete the living will section, marking your preferences and adding personal instructions where the form allows.
- Sign and date the form in front of two qualified witnesses as the form instructions require; your agent and certain others cannot serve as witnesses.
- Give the completed form to your VA care team or the facility so it is entered into your VA health record, and give copies to your agent and family.
Quick fill VA Form 10-0137 on this page
Prefer to see the form itself while you type? Open VA Form 10-0137 in the editor to fill it on the actual pages, add a signature, and download.
Frequently asked questions
Does the VA advance directive work outside VA facilities?
It is designed for use within the VA health care system, and many states also recognize it, but recognition outside VA depends on state law. If you receive significant care in community hospitals, consider also completing your state's advance directive form so both systems have a document they clearly recognize.
Can I change my mind after filing it?
Yes. While you can still make your own decisions, you can revoke or replace the directive at any time by telling your care team, signing a new form, or otherwise revoking it as the instructions describe. Make sure the old version is removed from use and your agent knows about the change.
What if I never complete an advance directive?
You still receive care, and while you can decide for yourself nothing changes. If you become unable to decide, VA follows its policy for identifying a surrogate, usually starting with close family. The directive matters because it puts your chosen agent and your stated wishes in control instead of a default order.