Anyone can go to a hospital - Heroes go to the VA!

As of March 5, 2024, millions of Veterans are now eligible for VA healthcare years earlier as a result of the PACT Act. Specifically, all Veterans who meet the basic service and discharge requirements and who were exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving our country – at home or abroad – are eligible to enroll directly in VA healthcare without first applying for VA benefits. That includes all Veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other combat zone after 9/11, and all Veterans who deployed in support of the Global War on Terror. Veterans who never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or on active duty here at home – by working with chemicals, pesticides, lead, asbestos, certain paints, nuclear weapons, x-rays, and more may also be eligible.

Why the expansion?
Because VA provides the best, most affordable healthcare in America for Veterans – we want as many Veterans as possible to come to us for their care. So, to all the Veterans out there: Don’t wait, apply for the care you deserve at VA.gov/PACT. Even if you don’ t need this care today, you might need it tomorrow, or the next day, or 30 years from now. It’s quick and easy to apply. And, once you’re in, you have access for life.

Facts about VA healthcare

• Enrollment is FREE, and healthcare may be free as well.
• VA healthcare for any illness or injury determined by the Veterans Benefits Administration to be related to your
• military service (called “service connection”) is free. The PACT Act added more than 20 presumptive conditions, expanding benefits to Vietnam-era, Gulf War-era, and Post-9/11 Veterans.
• VA has dramatically expanded services for Women Veterans, VA’s fastest-growing cohort.
• Expanded breast cancer screenings and mammograms for Veterans with potential toxic exposures.
• Supported access to reproductive health services and maternity care coordination.

Check out the complete list of new presumptive conditions at www.va.gov/PACT

Tell your friends to apply for VA healthcare in one of four ways:

1. Online: https://www.va.gov/health-care/apply/application/introduction
2. By calling the toll-free hotline: 877-222-8387
3. By mailing VA Form 10-10EZ to:
   Health Eligibility Center
   2957 Clairmont Rd., Suite 200
   Atlanta, GA 30329
4. In person at their nearest VA medical center or clinic.

To speak to a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Eligibility Representative, please call 605-336-3230, ext. 5903 or to speak to a VHA Outreach Representative, please call 605-336-3230, ext. 6436. For questions regarding filing or the status of your claim for a service-connected disability, please call 800-827-1000, visit the Sioux Falls VA Regional Office, or visit www.va.gov.