VA Form 10-0137 is the VA Advance Directive: Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and Living Will. Veterans can use it to designate health care decision-makers and describe preferences for medical, mental-health, long-term and other care if they are later unable to decide for themselves. It combines a health care power of attorney and a living will. This guide explains the documented audience, completion steps, supporting evidence, cautions and questions based on the official document and relevant agency instructions. Use the PDF resource to review and prepare the document; filing is governed by the agency’s rules.
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What is 10-0137?
VA Form 10-0137 is the VA Advance Directive: Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and Living Will. Veterans can use it to designate health care decision-makers and describe preferences for medical, mental-health, long-term and other care if they are later unable to decide for themselves. It combines a health care power of attorney and a living will.
Who needs to file 10-0137?
The form is designed for people using VA health care who want to document future treatment preferences or appoint a health care decision-maker. Completing some, all or none of its optional decision sections is allowed under the form’s instructions.
When to file 10-0137
The purpose is advance planning before a time when the person might be unable to make health care decisions. The document does not set a universal filing deadline. Its stated revision is March 2024; confirm the latest version on VA’s form page.
Documents you need
- If additional room is needed: extra attached pages, each initialed and dated, as the VA form directs.
How to fill out 10-0137
Review the purpose
Read the advance-directive introduction, including its explanations of appointing health care agents and stating care preferences.
Enter personal information
Complete Part I with your identifying and contact information.
Designate decision-makers if desired
Use the health care power-of-attorney section to identify the person or people you want to make decisions for you.
Express treatment preferences
Use the living-will sections to explain the health care or treatment preferences you wish to record.
Initial completed sections
Initial the parts you choose to complete, as directed on the form.
Attach extra pages if needed
Initial and date each page you attach for additional space.
Sign the advance directive
Sign the form or use the alternative mark or assisted-signature procedures described for physical impairments.
Discuss your wishes
VA advises you to explain your decisions to your care team, family and other loved ones.
How to submit 10-0137
The VA form instructs users to talk with their health care team, family and loved ones about their choices. It requires initials on sections completed and a signature; attached extra pages should be initialed and dated. The retrieved sources do not specify a universal electronic filing portal for this advance directive.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Do not assume every substantive part must be completed; the form allows some, none or all parts.
- Do not omit initials on completed sections or on each additional attached page.
- Do not overlook the alternative mark/signature arrangements provided for a person with a physical impairment.
Frequently asked questions
Can VA Form 10-0137 appoint a health care agent?
Yes. It allows a person to name others to make health care decisions if needed.
Must all sections be completed?
No. VA’s instructions permit completing some, none or all sections.
Can I add extra pages?
Yes. The instructions require initials and a date on each attachment.
What if a physical impairment prevents a traditional signature?
The official instructions describe alternatives such as an X, thumbprint, stamp or an assisted signature.
What is the listed revision?
VA’s form page identifies March 2024.
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