VA Opens Health Care Eligibility for Certain Veterans
February 02, 2023
As of October 1, 2022, Veterans who served on active duty in a theater of combat operations during a period of war after the Persian Gulf War will be eligible for care.
Post-9/11 Veterans Eligibility
This includes post-9/11 Veterans who did not previously enroll in VA Health Care. These Veterans will have a 1-year window to enroll if they:
- Served on active duty in a theater of combat operations during a period of war after the Persian Gulf War, or
- Served in combat against a hostile force during a period of hostilities after November 11, 1998, and
- Were discharged or released from active service between September 11, 2001, and October 1, 2013.
Vietnam-Era Veterans Eligibility
Vietnam-era veterans who served in the following locations and time periods are also now eligible for care.
- The Republic of Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975;
- Thailand at any U.S. or Royal Thai Base between January 9, 1962, and June 30, 1976;
- Laos between December 1, 1965, and September 30, 1969;
- Certain provinces in Cambodia between April 16, 1969, and April 30, 1969;
- Guam or American Samoa (or their territorial waters) between January 9, 1962, and July 31, 1980;
- And Johnston Atoll (or on a ship that was called there) between January 1, 1972, and September 30, 1977.
PACT Act Expansion
While the expansion of PACT Act-related health care eligibility is staggered over the coming years, VA has outlined all conditions in the PACT Act presumptive for benefits as of August 10, 2022, the day President Biden signed the bill into law.
If you would like more information about health care eligibility and presumptive conditions outlined in the PACT Act, click this link to our blog section, legalhelpforveterans.com.
If you’re a veteran interested in pursuing a new disability claim, increased rating, or disability appeal, please contact our office at (800) 693-4800, or visit our website to fill out a free claim evaluation.