VA Form 10-10118: Designee for Patient Personal Property

VA Form 10-10118: Designee for Patient Personal Property – If you are a veteran receiving care at a VA medical facility, VA Form 10-10118 lets you name a trusted person (your designee) to receive your personal funds and effects if you pass away while under VA care. This official form helps VA deliver your belongings quickly and respectfully, reducing stress for your family during a difficult time.

Download the official fillable form here:
Download VA Form 10-10118 (Fillable PDF)

What Is VA Form 10-10118 and What Is Its Purpose?

VA Form 10-10118, titled Designee for Patient Personal Property, is an official Veterans Health Administration (VHA) form. Its purpose is to document your choice of an individual who will receive possession of your personal funds (such as cash or checks on deposit in your Patient Funds account) and personal effects (clothing, jewelry, documents, and other property) if you die while a patient at a VA field facility.

The form creates a clear written record. Delivery to your designee is possession only — it does not transfer legal title or decide who ultimately owns the property under state law or your estate plan. This process is governed by 38 CFR Part 12 and current VA financial policy.

Who Should Complete VA Form 10-10118?

You should complete this form if you are a competent veteran being admitted to a VA medical center or other VA field facility. VA staff will ask about or encourage you to complete it during the admissions or registration process.

Family members or legal guardians may assist or complete related paperwork in certain situations, but the designation itself reflects the patient’s wishes. The form is especially important for veterans who keep personal funds or valuable items at the facility.

Key Rules and Limitations You Should Know

  • The designee cannot be a VA employee unless that employee is a member of your family (spouse, parent, child, stepfamily, extended family, or someone who lives with you).
  • You may change or revoke the designation in writing at any time by completing a new form or providing written notice to the facility.
  • The form only applies to property held by VA at the time of your death in a VA facility. It does not replace your will, trust, or general power of attorney.
  • VA delivers the items to the designee, who then becomes responsible for distributing them according to applicable law.

How to Complete VA Form 10-10118? Step-by-Step

The form is short (one page) and takes about 3 minutes to complete.

Part I – Patient Information
Fill in your full name, last four digits of your Social Security number, current address, and phone numbers (home, work, mobile).

Part II – Designee Information
Provide the full name, address, and phone numbers of the person you want to receive your property. Include the date of admission if requested.

Part III – Patient Signature
Sign and date the form. Your signature confirms you have designated the person listed.

Tips for accuracy:

  • Use your legal name as it appears in VA records.
  • Choose someone you trust who can be reached quickly.
  • Update the form if your address, phone number, or designee changes.
  • You can complete the fillable PDF digitally or print and sign it by hand.

When and Where to Submit VA Form 10-10118?

Submit the completed form to VA staff upon admission or as soon as possible during your stay. It is filed in the administrative section of your electronic medical record.

You can update or replace the form at any time by giving a new completed form to patient registration, admissions staff, or your social worker. There is no fee.

What Happens After You Submit the Form?

If you pass away while at the VA facility:

  • VA prepares a final accounting of your Patient Funds account (usually within 10 days).
  • VA attempts to notify your designee.
  • Your personal funds and effects are delivered to the designee (with limited exceptions).
  • For funds on deposit, the designee generally must submit VA Form 21-6898 (Application for Amounts on Deposit for Deceased Veteran) to the appropriate VA Regional Office within 90 days of VA mailing the notice of death.

The designee receives possession only and must follow state law and your estate documents regarding final distribution.

What If You Do Not Complete VA Form 10-10118?

VA will follow established procedures under 38 CFR Part 12 and current financial policy. Property is typically released to:

  • Your court-appointed fiduciary or executor/administrator of your estate, or
  • Next of kin according to state law (spouse, children, parents, etc.), or
  • In some cases, transferred to the VA General Post Fund if no valid claimants come forward within set timeframes.

Having a current designee on file helps VA act faster and more in line with your wishes.

Here are official sources for more information:

Frequently Asked Questions About VA Form 10-10118

Can I name more than one designee?
The form is designed for a single primary designee. You may discuss additional wishes with your family and include them in your will or estate documents.

Does signing this form give the designee access to my property while I am alive?
No. The form only authorizes delivery upon your death while you are a patient at the VA facility.

What if my designee moves or passes away before me?
Complete and submit a new VA Form 10-10118 with updated information as soon as possible.

Is this form the same as a medical power of attorney or living will?
No. It only addresses delivery of personal property held by VA upon death in a VA facility. Separate legal documents are needed for healthcare decisions and overall estate planning.

How long does VA keep the form on file?
It remains in your electronic medical record and is reviewed/updated with each admission or when you provide a new form.

Final Tips for Veterans and Families

  • Complete or update VA Form 10-10118 every time you are admitted to a VA facility.
  • Keep a copy for your records and share the designee’s contact information with close family members.
  • This form works together with — but does not replace — proper estate planning with an attorney.
  • If you have questions, speak with a VA social worker, patient advocate, or admissions staff at your local VA medical center. They can assist you at no cost.

Planning ahead with this simple form gives you peace of mind and helps ensure your personal belongings are handled according to your wishes.

Official Download Link:
Download VA Form 10-10118 (Fillable PDF)

For the most current information, always refer to the official VA websites linked above. This guide is for informational purposes and is based on current VA policy and regulations as of 2026.