VA Form 10-0137: Advance Directive & Living Will Download

VA Form 10-0137: Advance Directive & Living Will Download – VA Form 10-0137 is the official VA Advance Directive that combines a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and a Living Will. Veterans and their families use it to document health care preferences for situations where they can no longer make decisions themselves.

What Is VA Form 10-0137?

VA Form 10-0137, titled VA Advance Directive: Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and Living Will, is a standardized document from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (revised March 2024, OMB No. 2900-0556, expires 04/30/2027).

It allows you to:

  • Appoint a trusted Health Care Agent (Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care).
  • Specify treatment preferences in a Living Will section.
  • Outline wishes for medical care, mental health care, long-term care, and other health services.

Download the latest VA Form 10-0137 here: VA Form 10-0137 PDF.

Why Veterans Need an Advance Directive Like VA Form 10-0137?

Life events such as serious illness, injury, or cognitive decline can leave anyone unable to communicate wishes. An advance directive ensures your values guide care decisions, reducing family stress and conflicts while aligning treatment with your preferences.

In the VA system, this form is valid without notarization (though notarization may help outside VA settings). It integrates into your VA medical records for seamless use by providers.

Key Components of VA Form 10-0137

Part I: Personal Information

Fill in your name, date of birth, address, and contact details. This identifies you clearly in VA records.

Part II: Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care

Appoint a Health Care Agent (primary and optional alternate) to make decisions if you become incapacitated. Choose someone you trust who knows your values.

Your agent can:

  • Admit/discharge you from facilities.
  • Start/stop treatments.
  • Access medical records (including sensitive information).

Part III: Living Will – Treatment Preferences

Specify wishes for life-sustaining treatments in scenarios like:

  • Permanent unconsciousness or coma.
  • Severe brain damage or dementia.
  • Need for long-term assistance with daily activities.
  • Incurable conditions with pain or imminent death.

Additional optional sections cover mental health preferences and other personal, cultural, or faith-based wishes.

Signatures and Witnesses

Sign in the presence of two witnesses (with restrictions on who can witness). Notarization is optional for VA use.

How to Complete VA Form 10-0137 Step by Step?

  1. Download and Review: Get the fillable PDF from the official VA site.
  2. Discuss with Others: Talk to family, your VA health care team, and potential agents.
  3. Fill Sections: Complete only what you want—it’s flexible.
  4. Be Specific: Use extra pages if needed (initial and date them).
  5. Sign and Witness: Follow instructions carefully.
  6. Submit to VA: Provide copies to your VA facility for inclusion in records. Keep personal copies and share with your agent.

The form estimates 30 minutes to complete. Consult a VA provider for assistance.

Benefits of Completing VA Form 10-0137

  • Peace of Mind: Ensures your wishes are followed.
  • Family Relief: Reduces decision-making burden during crises.
  • VA Integration: Works directly with VA providers.
  • Flexibility: Revocable or changeable anytime while competent.
  • Legal Recognition: Honored in VA facilities and often aligns with state laws.

Common Questions About VA Advance Directives

Can I use a state form instead? VA accepts consistent state-authorized directives, but VA Form 10-0137 is recommended for VA care.

Is it only for end-of-life? No—it covers a wide range of situations and preferences.

What if I change my mind? Update or revoke the form as needed and notify relevant parties.

Take Action Today: Plan Your Health Care Future

Planning ahead with VA Form 10-0137 empowers veterans to maintain control over their medical care. Discuss with your VA health care team or visit My HealtheVet for more resources.

Official Download: Download VA Form 10-0137 (PDF)

For personalized guidance, contact your local VA facility. This information is based on current official VA resources as of the latest form revision. Always verify with va.gov for updates.