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VA Opens Health Care Eligibility to All Veterans Exposed to Toxins or Other Hazards
The eligibility expansion includes those who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Global War on Terror, or any other combat zone after 9/11. Additionally, veterans who never deployed but who were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or on active duty in the United States are eligible to enroll.
Veterans meeting the requirements can enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits, a department news release pointed out. As directed by President Joe Biden, the expansion eliminates the phased-in approach called for by the PACT Act.
“Beginning March 5, we’re making millions of veterans eligible for VA health care years earlier than called for by the PACT Act,” said VA Under Secretary for Health Shereef Elnahal, MD. “With this expansion, VA can care for all veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Global War on Terror, or any other combat zone after 9/11. We can also care for Veterans who never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or on active duty here at home—by working with chemicals, pesticides, lead, asbestos, certain paints, nuclear weapons, x-rays, and more.
“We want to bring all of these veterans to VA for the care they’ve earned and deserve.”
Eligible veterans can visit VA.gov/PACT or call 1-800-MYVA411 to learn more.
More than 500,000 veterans have enrolled in VA health care since President Biden signed the PACT Act into law in August 2022, according to the VA.
Reference
In one of the largest-ever expansions of Veteran health care, all Veterans exposed to toxins and other hazards during military service — at home or abroad — will be eligible for VA health care beginning March 5. News release. US Department of Veterans Affairs; February 26, 2024. Accessed February 29, 2024. https://news.va.gov/press-room/veteran-toxins-hazards-serving-eligible-va/
