When signed into law, the PACT Act into law in 2022, millions of Veterans became eligible for VA health care.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) aims to provide high-quality, timely health care to all of our country’s Veterans. Research shows that Veterans who are enrolled in VA health care are proven to have better health outcomes than non-enrolled Veterans, and it’s often more affordable with higher quality and patient satisfaction ratings.
With recent expansions to VA health care through the PACT Act, as well as updates to its eligibility requirements, it’s important to review the most current information and get care to those who deserve it most.
VA Health Care Eligibility
When the PACT Act was signed into law in 2022, millions of Veterans became eligible for VA health care.
All Veterans who meet basic service and discharge requirements and who were exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving our country – at home or abroad – are eligible for VA health care. This 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 are eligible to enroll directly in VA health care. Additionally, Veterans who never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or on active duty in the United States are also eligible to enroll. This includes Veterans who were exposed to burn pits, sand and dust, particulates, oil well or sulfur fires, chemicals, radiation, warfare agents, depleted uranium, herbicides, and other occupational hazards.
To learn whether you meet the service and discharge requirements for VA health care, check out VA’s Eligibility for VA health care. This page outlines the requirements and can answer your questions about your eligibility, whether you qualify for enhanced eligibility status and more.
If you received an other than honorable, bad conduct or dishonorable discharge, you may still qualify for health care. Find out how to apply for a discharge upgrade and learn more about VA’s Character of Discharge review process. For example, all branches of the military consider you to have a strong case for a discharge upgrade if you can show your discharge was connected to a mental health condition such as post-traumatic stress disorder, a traumatic brain injury, a military sexual trauma or your sexual orientation.
It’s also important to remember that VA can help connect you with mental health care no matter your discharge status, service history or eligibility for health care. Find out how to get the mental health care services and support you deserve.
VA Health Care Enrollment
The PACT Act not only expanded access to VA health care for millions of Veterans, but it also made it easier to enroll. Many Veterans believe they have to apply to receive VA disability compensation benefits to become eligible for VA health care, but this isn’t correct. Eligible Veterans can apply directly for VA health care – without applying for VA benefits first.
You can access the application for VA health care online. The application should take around 35 minutes, but you can sign in to save your progress and take up to 60 days to complete it. You will need certain information and documents to get started such as your social security number, insurance card information and military discharge papers. For more information on what you’ll need, check out VA’s information on preparing to apply for health care.
You can also apply by mail, by phone, in person or with the help of a trained professional. Learn more about each of these enrollment options and select the one that makes the most sense for you.
If you have additional questions about VA health care, you can call VA’s Health Eligibility Center at 877-222-8387 or get additional help filling out the application from a VA accredited representative or Veterans Service Organization.
VA has encouraged all Veterans who believe they may be entitled to benefits to apply for the health care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve.