On March 5, the Department of Veterans Affairs launched the largest expansion of VA health care under the PACT Act since the law was signed in 2022. All veterans who were exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving in the military—in the U.S. or abroad—are now eligible to enroll directly in VA health care.

This means that all veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan or any other combat zone after 9/11, are now eligible to enroll directly in VA health care without having to apply for VA disability benefits first.

Additionally, veterans exposed to toxins or hazards while training or on active duty stateside are also eligible to enroll, whether or not they deployed. This decision will make the process of enrolling in VA health care quicker and easier for millions of veterans.

 

Learn more

DAV benefits advocates can help veterans file for VA health care and benefits. Please contact your nearest DAV service office by visiting benefitsquestions.org.