Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1696590008202.pdf (United States)
PACT ACT VA HEALTH CARE ELIGIBILITY The PACT Act is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances.

This law helps provide generations of Veterans—and their survivors—with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve.
The law expands health care eligibility to several groups of Veterans who may not have been eligible before and requires VA to phase in hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care for any illness to three new categories of Veterans: Category 1: Veterans who participated in a toxic exposure risk activity (as defined by law) while serving on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training.
Category 2: Veterans assigned to a duty station in certain locations (including airspace above) on or after: August 2, 1990, in Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, or United Arab Emirates September 11, 2001, in Afghanistan, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Uzbekistan, or Yemen, or any other country determined relevant by VA Category 3: Veterans who deployed in support of: Operation Enduring Freedom Operation Freedom’s Sentinel Operation Iraqi Freedom Operation New Dawn Operation Inherent Resolve Resolute Support Mission Veterans who served in these countries during specific time periods may enroll in VA health care effective on October 1, 2022.
Republic of Vietnam January 9, 1962 - May 7, 1975 Guam or American Samoa (or in their territorial waters) January 9, 1962 - July 31, 1980 Cambodia at Mimot or Krek, Kampong Cham Province April 16, 1969 - April 30, 1969 Thailand Any U.S. or Royal Thai base January 9, 1962 - June 30, 1976 Laos December 1, 1965 - September 30, 1969 Johnston Atoll (or on a ship that called at Johnston Atoll) January 1, 1972 - September 30, 1977 Between October 1, 2022, and October 1, 2023, Veterans who served on active duty in a theater of combat operations during a period of war after the Persian Gulf War or in combat against a hostile force during a period of hostilities after November 11, 1998, and who were discharged or released between September 11, 2001, and October 1, 2013, may enroll in VA health care.
VA will publish more specific information on the PACT Act and exposure-related disability benefits on VA.gov/PACT as it becomes available.

KEY ELIGIBILITY DATES AUGUST 10, 2022: PACT Act signed into law.

OCTOBER 1, 2022: Veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, certain provinces in Cambodia, Guam, or American Samoa (or their territorial waters), or the Johnston Atoll (or a ship that called there) during specific time periods may enroll in VA health care.
OCTOBER 1, 2022 - OCTOBER 1, 2023: Veterans who served on active duty in a theater of combat operations during a period of war after the Persian Gulf War or in combat against a hostile force during a period of hostilities after November 11, 1998, and who were discharged or released between September 11, 2001, and October 1, 2013, may enroll in VA health care.

NOVEMBER 8, 2022: Begin incorporating toxic exposure screening for enrolled Veterans.
OCTOBER 1, 2024: Phase in enrollment for Categories 1 and 2 for Veterans discharged or released August 2, 1990 - September 11, 2001.

OCTOBER 1, 2026: Phase in enrollment for Categories 1 and 2 for Veterans discharged or released September 12, 2001 - December 31, 2006.

OCTOBER 1, 2028: Phase in enrollment for Categories 1 and 2 for Veterans discharged or released January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2012.
OCTOBER 1, 2030: Phase in enrollment for Categories 1 and 2 for Veterans discharged or released January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2018.

OCTOBER 1, 2032: Phase in enrollment for Category 3 Veterans.

Toxic Exposure Screening Every enrolled Veteran will receive an initial toxic exposure screening and a follow-up screening at least every five years.

Veterans not enrolled but who are eligible will have an opportunity to enroll and receive the screening.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Learn more and sign up at VA.gov/PACT Download the VA Health and Benefits App Call us at 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411) Find a VA at VA.gov/find-locations/