Garbage burns as two U.S. soldiers watch, Afghanistan, 2013 (Photo: Andrew Burton)
Today, the VA announced that all Veterans, regardless of where they served, who were exposed to toxins or other hazards during their military service, will be eligible for VA health care beginning March 5.
This expansion of VA health care benefits will open its doors to millions of U.S. Veterans.
Directed by President Biden, this expansion accelerates access to VA health care by up to eight years earlier than mandated by the PACT Act, which was signed into law in August 2022. Veterans who served in various conflicts, including the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, and operations in support of the Global War on Terror, will now have direct access to VA health care without the need to first apply for VA benefits.
Additionally, Veterans who were exposed to hazards during training or active duty within the United States will also be eligible for enrollment. This expansion includes a wide range of exposures, from chemicals and pollutants to radiation and warfare agents.
VA Secretary Denis McDonough emphasized the importance of ensuring that Veterans receive the care they deserve, regardless of where or how they served.
“If you’re a Veteran who may have been exposed to toxins or hazards while serving our country, at home or abroad, we want you to come to us for the health care you deserve,” said McDonough.
VA Under Secretary for Health Dr. Shereef Elnahal echoed this sentiment, highlighting the agency’s dedication to serving all eligible Veterans and providing Veterans with the care they have earned through their service.
“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,” said Dr. Elnahal. 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.”
New enrollees will undergo a toxic exposure screening, facilitated by their primary care physicians, and may be referred to specialty care as needed. They will be assessed for priority group placement, determining their copayment obligations for appointments or prescriptions based on treatment needs. Veterans receiving treatment for exposure-related illnesses will not incur copayments for related appointments, offering both economic relief and clinical benefits.
Veterans who use VA health care tend to be healthier than those who don’t. VA health care is often cheaper for Veterans compared to non-VA options.
To accommodate the influx of new patients, the VA will hire 52,000 employees to increase its workforce, meet demands, and improve service times.
The VA is encouraging eligible Veterans to apply for care or benefits through its website, VA.gov/PACT or the 1-800-MYVA411 hotline.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
