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In one of the biggest expansions of Veteran health care in generations, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has announced that starting March 5, ALL Veterans, that were exposed to: burn pits, Agent Orange, herbicides, chemicals, nuclear weapons or other toxins while in the military, at home or abroad, will be able to enroll directly in VA health care WITHOUT first applying for VA benefits. Veterans who served in the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Global War on Terror, or any other combat zone after 9/11 are also eligible to enroll without having to show evidence of toxic exposure.
That means Veterans are becoming eligible for VA health care up to EIGHT years earlier than written into law.
The VA encourages all Veterans who were exposed to chemical hazards or materials during their service visit VA.gov/PACT or call 1 800-MYVA411 to lear more and to sing up for VA health care starting March 5th.
Amy wecomed Shereef Elnahal, MD, Under Secretary for Health at the Department of Veterans Affairs to Wake Up Call this morning to talk about it.