Key PointsQuestionDo veterans with COVID-19 experience similar outcomes when hospitalized in Veterans Health Administration (VHA) hospitals vs community hospitals?FindingsIn a cohort of 64 856 VHA enrollees aged 65 years or older also enrolled in Medicare, admission to community hospitals was associated with higher risk-adjusted 30-day mortality during hospitalization for COVID-19 compared with VHA hospitals.MeaningThe findings of this study suggest that it is important for the VHA to understand sources of COVID-19 mortality differences between VHA and community hospitals to plan care for VHA enrollees during future COVID-19 surges and the next pandemic.