Capitalization

As part of our plain language style, we use sentence capitalization as the standard on VA.gov, with a few exceptions.

Use sentence case capitalization

Use sentence case capitalization for most content, including page titles, headings, subheadings, buttons, and text links, unless a word is a proper noun. Don’t capitalize common words for emphasis or importance.

Exceptions where we use title capitalization

• Proper nouns (example: branded terms like “VA.gov,” official program names, state names, names of federal agencies, days of the week and months, compositions such as titles of books, etc.)
• The word “Veterans”
• Global navigation, top menu labels (VA Benefits and Health Care; About VA; Find a VA Location)

Exceptions where we use initial capitalization

• SEO title tags (example: VA Prescription Refill And Tracking | Veterans Affairs). See Writing for SEO for more information.

Consult our word list or refer to AP Style if you’re not sure whether a term should be capitalized. If still unsure, err on the side of sentence case capitalization.