LEBANON COUNTY, Pa. — Millions of veterans nationwide will now have access to health care after a historic expansion, signed into law two years ago, officially begins.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced the "Honoring our PACT Act of 2022," signed into law by President Joe Biden in August 2022, officially took effect on Tuesday. Veterans who were exposed to toxins and other hazards during military service, at home or abroad, are now eligible to enroll directly into VA health care without first applying for VA benefits.
"This is the largest expansion of VA health care in our history," said Douglas Etter, chief communications officer for the Lebanon VA Medical Center. "This opens the door to so many men and women who have been exposed in a variety of ways to different toxins and hazards. Now is the time to get into VA health care because once you’re a part of the VA system, you are part of the system for life."
Under the newly expanded eligibility, toxic-exposed veterans that fall under one of the following groups, described by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, now qualify for health care:
- Veterans who participated in a toxic exposure risk activity (TERA) while serving on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training.
- Veterans who were assigned to a duty station (including airspace above) on or after August 2, 1990, in Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia or the United Arab Emirates.
- Veterans who were assigned to a duty station (including airspace above) on or after September 11, 2001, in Afghanistan, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen or Uzbekistan.
- Veterans who were deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Freedom's Sentinel, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn, Operation Inherent Resolve and Resolute Support Mission.
Before the expansion, all toxic-exposed veterans were supposed to become eligible for VA care on a phased schedule through 2032. Now, the VA is permitted to accelerate that schedule to make millions of veterans eligible for medical care they may have been long needed.
"This is an enormous expansion of enrollment opportunities for the men and women who have served in the United States military," said Etter. "This opens the door to all sorts of people, and we want them to come and be a part of this great health system."
It’s an expansion and support for veterans that officials say exemplifies the appreciation for the men and women who give so much for this country.
"We’re very fortunate to be citizens of the greatest nation in the world because we take such great care of our veterans," said Etter. "I think our first president George Washington said it best when he said, ‘The inclination of the next generation to serve in the military will be in direct proportion to what they see how veterans are treated.’ Because we’re treated so well, I think others will continue to take up the flag and to defend our colors."
Eligible veterans are encouraged to visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website or call 1-800-MYVA411. Veterans can also contact their county director of Veterans Affairs, a veteran service officer or visit your local VA medical center. More information can be found using the VA's 2024 Expanded Health Care Tool Kit.