Standards and policies
The VA Style Guide and the VA Tier 1 Graphic Standards ensure VA presents a consistent experience for customers using public communication materials from multiple VA entities.
Adherence to these web communication standards is a priority for the Secretary’s “One VA” vision.
Every VA website contributes to the user’s perception of the Department. To ensure a unified web presence, all public-facing VA websites and webpages will appear visually related to help reinforce VA’s brand identity. As part of a branding strategy, all VA branded websites are expected to adopt the standards and style elements outlined on this website and in related documents.
VA.gov design system
For new pages, content, forms, and applications moving into the relaunched VA.gov, please refer to the VA.gov Design System. The content style guide and front-end framework includes guidance, standards, and tools to help teams build a consistent, intuitive, and Veteran-centered experience across VA.gov.
All public-facing websites must use the Content Style Guide as the foundation for content creation.
Exceptions
The common look and feel will be applied to all public-facing websites and applications. If your website or application is accessible outside of the VA internal network, that website or application must adhere to the guidelines outlined on this website, as well as in related documents unless otherwise approved regardless of where it is hosted.
Waivers may be requested and approved on rare circumstances when justified.
VA public-facing websites and web applications will…
- Share common branding attributes such as agency logos, official seals, and other recognized elements that identify the Department through the look and feel of those pages.
- All documents and webpages will include a date stamp with dates no greater than one year old. Documents and files that contain information that will never change are exempt from this requirement and shall be placed in specifically marked folders identified as historical or archival.
- Display “U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs” at the top of VA web pages to ensure visitors know they are within the VA web environment.
- Conform to the World Wide Web Consortium of specifications and standards.
- Include the mandatory header, mega menu, and footer elements, and hyperlinks identified in the templates.
