New PACT Act benefits and services for Gulf War era Veterans
Certain Gulf War era Veterans may now be eligible for VA health care thanks to the 2022 PACT Act. Gulf War era Veterans are encouraged to enroll for VA health care beginning Oct. 1, 2022.
To enroll, a Veteran must have served on active duty in a theater of combat operations during a period of war after the Persian Gulf War. This includes Veterans who, in connection with service during such a period, received one of the following:
- Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
- Service Specific Expeditionary Medal
- Combat Era Specific Expeditionary Medal
- Campaign Specific Medal
- Any other combat theater award established by Federal statute or Executive Order
Four easy ways to apply for VA health care
- Apply online at www.VA.gov/health-care/apply/application/introduction
- Call VA’s toll-free hotline at 877-222-8387, Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 8:00 pm ET
- Mail a completed, signed Application for Health Benefits (VA Form 10-10EZ)
- Bring a completed, signed VA Form 10-10EZ to your nearest VA medical center or clinic or get help through your state’s Department of Veterans Service Officer
Additionally, The PACT Act empowers VA to deliver benefits to Veterans suffering from more than 20 toxic- exposure conditions. For more information and a complete list new presumptive conditions and presumptive exposure service locations, visit VA.gov/PACT. Veterans can also find information on how to apply for VA health care and file a disability claim.
On Aug. 10, 2022, the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act—known as the PACT Act—was signed into law.
Named in honor of Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson, a decorated combat medic who died from a rare form of lung cancer, this historic legislation helps VA expand and extend health care and benefits eligibility to millions of Veterans who may have been impacted by toxic exposures while serving our country.