PACT Act ups eligibility for VA health care for millions of Veterans exposed to toxins while serving

Information provided by Veterans Affairs

Beginning March 5, 2024, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has made all Veterans who meet the basic service and discharge requirements and were exposed to toxins while serving our country eligible to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits.

This expansion of care means that 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 will be eligible to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits. Additionally, Veterans who never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or on active duty in the United States will also be eligible to enroll.

VA has prepared this PACT Act Stakeholder Toolkit for you to use and share information about VA’s expansion of health care eligibility for Veterans.

For more information about the PACT Act go to www.va.gov/PACT  or call 1-800-MyVA411.

Even if you don’t need this care today, you might need it tomorrow, or the next day, or 30 years from now. It’s quick and easy to apply. And once you’re in, you have access for life. Apply now for the care you deserve at VA.gov/PACT.