Veterans face unique health challenges that can emerge years after service, from joint strain and toxic exposure to stress-related conditions. The veteran health checklist for 2025 helps you stay proactive with the right tests and checkups. These screenings for retired military and active veterans ensure early detection, long-term strength, and peace of mind.
Taking charge of your health isn’t about fear, it’s about empowerment and honoring the discipline that carried you through your service.
Why Regular Health Screenings Matter for Veterans
Early Detection Saves Lives
Preventive care is one of the simplest ways to protect your well-being. Regular health screenings help identify potential issues like heart disease, cancer, or diabetes before they become serious. For veterans (who may have faced high stress, physical strain, or exposure during service) early detection can mean the difference between a small adjustment and a major medical event.
Common Health Risks Among Veterans
Many veterans deal with ongoing or service-related health conditions, including:
PTSD and mental health challenges
Joint pain and musculoskeletal injuries
Cardiovascular problems from stress and high-demand service
Exposure-related illnesses (burn pits, Agent Orange, etc.)
Sleep apnea and respiratory issues
That’s why a consistent veteran health checklist is essential, it helps you monitor and manage these risks before they escalate.
The Ultimate Veteran Health Checklist
Think of this as your personal guide to maintaining strength, mobility, and mental clarity. Every veteran should review this checklist yearly and discuss any updates with their healthcare provider or veterans clinic.
Annual Physical Exam
This should always be your first step. A yearly checkup provides a full picture of your health, helping your doctor track changes and recommend other tests as needed.
Mental Health Evaluation
Mental wellness is just as vital as physical health. Veterans should have regular mental health screenings to monitor for PTSD, anxiety, or depression. If you’ve experienced combat, trauma, or major life transitions, counseling and therapy can be life-changing.
- Have you noticed changes in your mood or sleep?
- Do you avoid activities or people you once enjoyed?
- Do you feel constantly on edge or hyper-alert?
If you answered “yes” to two or more, talk with a counselor or VA mental health specialist.
Cardiovascular and Blood Pressure Screenings
Heart disease remains one of the top health threats for veterans. Annual blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart rhythm checks can help detect early signs of cardiovascular strain. Veterans who experienced combat stress or physically demanding service should be especially vigilant.
Heart Health Checklist
- Blood Pressure: Less than 120/80
- Cholesterol: Total under 200
- Resting Heart Rate: 60–100 bpm
Cancer Screenings (Prostate, Lung, Colon, Skin, and Breast for Female Veterans)
Cancer screenings save lives. Depending on age, gender, and history, veterans should consider:
Prostate cancer tests (for men 50+)
Colonoscopies (starting around age 45)
Lung scans for those with exposure to burn pits or smoking history
Skin checks for sun or chemical exposure
Mammograms for female veterans
Hearing and Vision Tests
Hearing loss and vision issues are among the most common service-related conditions. Routine audiology and eye exams can ensure you’re maintaining sensory health and quality of life.
Immunizations and Preventive Care Updates
Vaccinations help prevent respiratory and infectious diseases that can impact veterans disproportionately. Keep your flu, COVID-19, pneumonia, and tetanus boosters current.
Musculoskeletal and Mobility Assessments
Physical strain from years of service can affect balance, flexibility, and strength. Annual physical therapy or chiropractic evaluations can help veterans maintain mobility and reduce pain.
Sleep and Respiratory Evaluations
If you snore heavily, wake up tired, or experience breathing interruptions, a sleep apnea evaluation is important. Veterans exposed to dust, chemicals, or burn pits should also undergo regular lung function tests.
Special Screenings for Retired Military Personnel
The screenings for retired military often extend beyond basic preventive care. Many veterans have unique exposure histories or injuries that require specialized attention.
- Toxic Exposure Screenings (Burn Pits, Agent Orange, etc.): Veterans exposed to chemicals or burn pits may face long-term respiratory or autoimmune effects. VA and veterans care programs offer specific testing for these conditions, from blood tests to lung imaging.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Follow-Up Assessments: Even mild TBIs can have lasting impacts on memory, mood, and coordination. If you experienced a head injury during service, periodic neurological exams can monitor your progress and prevent long-term complications.
- Pain and Chronic Condition Management: Chronic pain management is about more than medication, it includes physical therapy, acupuncture, massage, and mobility-focused programs offered by many veterans clinics.
How to Keep Track of Your Health Year-Round
Building Your Personal Veteran Health Record
Keep a simple digital or paper record of all your screenings, results, and doctor visits. It helps streamline care, especially if you travel or see multiple providers.
Click for Recommended Apps & Tools
- My HealtheVet (VA.gov)
- TRICARE Online Patient Portal
- Apple Health / Google Fit integration for vital tracking
Using VA and TRICARE Tools to Schedule Screenings
The VA and TRICARE portals allow veterans to schedule appointments, view lab results, and get reminders for annual checkups. They’re free tools designed to help you stay organized.
How Often Should You Get Checked? (Suggested Timelines)
| Screening Type | Recommended Frequency |
|---|---|
| Annual Physical | Every year |
| Dental, Vision, Hearing | Every 1–2 years |
| Mental Health Check | Annually or as needed |
| Cancer Screenings | Per age/risk (consult provider) |
| Toxic Exposure Follow-ups | Every 1–2 years |
Final Thoughts: Take Charge of Your Health
Proactive care is a continuation of your service, a way to honor the resilience and responsibility you’ve always carried. The veteran health checklist isn’t just a medical guide; it’s a reminder that staying strong for yourself and your loved ones is one of the most powerful commitments you can make.
Remember: preventive screenings are not signs of weakness, they’re proof of discipline. And discipline is something every veteran already knows well.
