Beginning March 5, all Veterans who were exposed to toxins or other hazards while serving—at home or abroad—will be eligible to apply for VA health care.
The PACT Act is a law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. This law helps us provide generations of Veterans—and their survivors—with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve.
What’s changing for VA health care eligibility on March 5, 2024?
Starting March 5, 2024, we’re expanding VA health care to millions more Veterans—years earlier than called for by the PACT Act. All Veterans who were exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving our country—at home or abroad—will be eligible to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits.
We encourage you to apply for VA health care starting March 5, 2024, if any of these descriptions are true for you:
- You served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other combat zone after 9/11, or
- You deployed in support of the Global War on Terror, or
- You were exposed to toxins or other hazards during military service
Note: Specific toxins and hazards include burn pits, sand and dust, particulates, oil well or sulfur fires, chemicals, radiation, warfare agents, depleted uranium, herbicides, and other occupational hazards. Check the full list of military exposure categories on our Public Health website
Visit the VA websites below for more information
https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/
https://news.va.gov/129251/pact-act-2024-health-care-eligibility-toolkit/
Contact one of our Veterans Service Representatives if you have questions or need assistance.