In recent news, the Department of Veterans Affairs has announced that all veterans who have been exposed to hazardous substances are now eligible to enroll in VA health care. This update includes veterans who have been exposed to chemicals, pesticides, lead, asbestos, certain paints, nuclear weapons, and more while serving at home or abroad. The updated eligibility criteria apply to all veterans who served in the Vietnam War, Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan or any other combat zone after 9/11.
Jennifer DeFrancesco, the director of the Dayton VA Medical Center, is urging all veterans to learn more about their eligibility and take advantage of the benefits available to them. She emphasizes the importance of getting a toxic exposure screening and ensuring that veterans are documented in the system to access possible health care benefits and other entitlements. Millions of veterans are now eligible for VA health care up to eight years earlier than initially proposed by the law.
Since its launch on March 5th, the Dayton VA Medical Center has already enrolled more than 150 new veterans for health care services. Eligible veterans can sign up for VA health care services online, by phone or mail or in person at the Dayton VA or nearest VA medical center. It is crucial that veterans take action and enroll as soon as possible to access the care and support they deserve.