PACT Act Veteran Health Care Eligibility Expanded

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 are eligible to enroll in in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits. 

The announcement that all Veterans who were exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving in the military, at home or aboard, are now eligible to enroll directly in VA Health Care was made on March 5, 2024. 

Additionally, veterans who never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or on active duty in the U.S. are eligible to enroll. 

The expansion of VA health care eliminates the phased-in approached (called for by the PACT Act), meaning millions of veterans are becoming eligible for VA health care up to eight years earlier than written into law. 

“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 VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “VA is proven to be the best, most affordable health care in America for Veterans – and once you’re in, you have access for life. So don’t wait, enroll today.”

“Today, 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, M.D. “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 these Veterans to VA for the care they’ve earned and deserve.”

In addition to expanding access to VA care, the decision makes it quicker and easier for millions of Veterans to enroll. According to representatives from the VA, many veterans believe they must apply to receive VA disability compensation benefits to become eligible for VA health care, but this not correct. 

With the expansion, millions of veterans can enroll directly in VA care, without the need to apply for VA benefits first. 

“We want as many Veterans as possible to come to VA for their care. This expansion of care for Veterans will make that a reality,” said Erie VA Medical Center Director John Gennaro. “Contact our Eligibility Department today at 814.860.2970 and apply for the care you deserve!”

More information on the PACT Act and benefits can be found here.