The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has recently announced that all veterans who have been exposed to toxins or other hazards are now eligible for VA health care. This includes veterans who were exposed to chemicals, pesticides, lead, asbestos, certain paints, nuclear weapons, x-rays and more while serving at home or abroad. The update applies to all veterans who served in the Vietnam War, Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan or any other combat zone after 9/11.

This expansion of health care comes after the VA eliminated an eligibility phase-in called for by the PACT Act. Jennifer DeFrancesco, director at the Dayton VA Medical Center, encourages all veterans to learn more about their eligibility. She urges veterans to get their toxic exposure screening if they have a DD214 and make sure it is documented. Veterans may be eligible for benefits that include health care and potentially more and they are entitled to these benefits.

Millions of veterans are now eligible for VA health care up to eight years earlier than the original law proposed. Since the March 5 kick-off, the Dayton VA Medical Center has enrolled over 150 new veterans for health care. Eligible veterans can sign up online, by phone, mail or in person at the Dayton VA or the closest VA medical center.