The PACT Act expanded VA health care for millions of toxic-exposed veterans. If you served in Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, or any location with burn pits or chemical exposure—you may qualify for comprehensive care at little to no cost.
The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022 is the biggest expansion of VA health care in decades. It presumption extends toxic exposure conditions to more veterans than ever before.
Conditions linked to burn pits, Agent Orange, and Gulf War exposures are now automatically service-connected
Veterans who previously didn't qualify for VA care may now be eligible under new toxic exposure criteria
Veterans with toxic exposure-related conditions now receive care with $0 copay for those conditions
Annual toxic exposure screenings are now available to all enrolled veterans at no cost
Note: This is not a complete list. If you have a condition not listed, still apply—your case will be reviewed individually.
Enrollment in VA health care is simpler than ever. You can apply online in minutes, and many veterans qualify for priority enrollment due to their service-connected conditions or toxic exposure.
Have your DD-214, VA claim number (if applicable), and financial information ready.
The online application takes about 15-30 minutes. You can save and return to finish later.
Answer questions about your military service and potential toxic exposures. This determines your priority group.
You'll receive a decision letter within a week. Enrolled veterans can schedule appointments immediately.
Your priority group determines your place in line for VA health care and your out-of-pocket costs. Groups 1-4 typically pay nothing for care.
Most veterans enrolled in VA health care pay nothing for their care. For those who do have copays, costs are significantly lower than private insurance.
Per visit depending on priority group
Per visit depending on priority group
Per 30-day prescription (Tier 1-2)
Veterans with PACT Act-qualifying toxic exposure receive care for those conditions with ZERO copay. This includes care for burn pit exposure, Agent Orange conditions, Gulf War illness, and Camp Lejeune water contamination.
Many veterans don't know they qualify for VA dental care. If you meet any of the following, you may be eligible for free or low-cost dental services:
Dental care can include cleanings, fillings, extractions, root canals, and more—at significantly reduced costs or free for qualifying veterans.
Learn About VA Dental CareIf you were exposed to burn pits in Iraq or Afghanistan, Agent Orange in Vietnam, or contaminated water at Camp Lejeune—you didn't imagine the health effects. The PACT Act exists because Congress finally listened.
You earned this care. Don't wait for symptoms to get worse. Enroll today and get the comprehensive evaluation you deserve.
The PACT Act opened doors that were closed for too long. If you've been putting off VA health care because you didn't think you qualified—apply today. You might be surprised what you're entitled to.
Additional Resources
Need help applying? Call 1-800-698-2411 (24/7) or visit your local VA medical center.
