VA Launches Initiative to Address Blast-Related Health Risks in Veterans

Veterans have expressed concerns about mental health challenges associated with repeated blasts and head traumas. In response, the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) researchers are increasingly interested in learning more about potential impacts of blast exposure on veterans. Recently, the VA announced a large-scale outreach campaign aimed at encouraging eligible veterans—particularly the approximately 1 million unenrolled veterans from Vietnam, Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan eras—to enroll in VA health care.

Efforts to enroll veterans include text messages, emails, public service announcements, and events. Once enrolled, veterans gain access to specialty screenings, primary care, mental health services, and treatment for blast exposure-related conditions. This initiative is part of the largest outreach campaign in VA history, which began after President Biden signed the PACT Act into law in 2022. Earlier this year, the VA expanded eligibility under the PACT Act to include veterans exposed to toxins or hazards during service, those meeting basic service criteria, those receiving VA disability benefits, or those qualifying based on income.

Repeated blast exposure—including low-level artillery blasts, IEDs, missile launches, and heavy fire—has been linked to mental health challenges and suicidal ideation among Veterans. Through this outreach and additionally enrollment, the VA aims to better study and address the health impacts of blast exposure.

“We take veteran concerns about repeated blast exposure very seriously, and we are studying this matter urgently to learn more about potential health impacts,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “While we do that, we don’t want veterans to wait—they should enroll in VA health care today to get full access to primary care, mental health care, regular screenings, specialty care, and more.”

The outreach campaign has already achieved significant results, with over 835 000 veterans enrolling in VA health care—a 37% increase. Additionally, more than 900 000 veterans have upgraded their priority groups, reducing copay costs, and a record 4.4 million veterans and survivors have applied for disability compensation benefits.

VA Under Secretary for Health Dr Shereef Elnahal stressed that increased enrollment not only provides veterans with better care, but also advances research into health risks like blast exposure. “The more veterans who enroll, the more we can learn about the impact of blast exposure—and the better care we can ultimately provide to those who served,” Dr Elnahal said.

Reference

Amid concerns about blast exposure, VA launches new outreach campaign to enroll veterans in health care. News release. VA.gov. Published December 4, 2024. Accessed December 11, 2024. https://news.va.gov/press-room/amid-concerns-about-blast-exposure-va-launches-new-outreach-campaign-to-enroll-veterans-in-health-care/