After historic expansion of VA health care, VA Manchester hosts PACT Act summer event for Veterans

“The expansion of VA health care through the PACT Act is an opportunity for all New Hampshire Veterans eligible under the expansion to receive care bringing all generations of Veterans together,” said Manchester VA Medical Center Director Kevin Forrest. “This is the second year we held the six-hour event focused on making it convenient for Veterans to enroll in health care, receive a toxic exposure screening, file benefit claims, and allow us to answer any questions while offering our support and assistance.”

An 11-by-16 lung identified the event epicenter, while VA employees met and greeted attendees with information and giveaways in support of the Summer Vet Fest. Veterans also had the opportunity to view first-hand a live radio show, “Good Morning NH with host Jack Heath,” tuning into various health care topics discussed with experts from across the medical center and Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA).

Also, a resource fair took place on site providing additional information and educational materials for Veterans, rounding out the all-inclusive event.

The PACT Act, signed into law on August 10, 2022, extends eligibility for VA health care for Veterans exposed to toxins. Recently, the VA announced an expansion of the PACT Act making sure all Veterans who were exposed to toxins or other hazards while serving in the military – at home or abroad – became eligible to enroll directly in VA health care beginning March 5, 2024. This means that all Veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Global War on Terror, or any other combat zone after 9/11 are eligible to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits.

“This was a great day for Granite State Veterans,” stated Michael Bichrest, VA Manchester outreach coordinator.

The PACT Act expansion also covers many Veterans who never deployed as a part of a conflict but were exposed to toxins or hazards while serving in the U.S. Specifically, under this expansion of care, any Veteran who participated in a toxic exposure risk activity (TERA) – at home or abroad – is eligible for VA health care. 
VA has determined that Veterans who were exposed to one or more of the following hazards or conditions during active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training participated in a TERA: air pollutants (burn pits, sand, dust, particulates, oil well fires, sulfur fires); chemicals (pesticides, herbicides, depleted uranium with embedded shrapnel, contaminated water); occupational hazards (asbestos, industrial solvents, lead, paints including chemical agent resistant coating, firefighting foams); radiation (nuclear weapons handling, maintenance and detonation, radioactive material, calibration and measurement sources, X-rays, radiation from military occupational exposure); warfare agents (nerve agents, chemical and biological weapons); and more.  VA uses all available information to determine if Veterans participated in a TERA, including military records and service connection. 
“I had a number of Veterans tell me how much they appreciated this event,” stated Bichrest.

Veterans commented on VA Manchester health care staff being true professionals with amazing passion for quality care, according to Bichrest. As well as indicating the atmosphere and culture in the facility radiating with a positive energy that undoubtedly contributes to the first-class Veteran experience.

“Also, we were able to recognize two of our World War II Veterans on the 80th anniversary of  D-Day,” added Bichrest. “We were able to help a lot of our fellow Veterans with the care and benefits they have earned.”

“Of course, these types of events do not happen without a great team,” stated Forrest. “I can’t thank enough the VA staff, our community leaders and partners, as well as Granite State Veterans who came out to make this event so special for all of us.”

“It was a great VA day!” said Bichrest.

VA encourages all eligible Veterans and survivors to apply today at VA.gov/PACT. 

Lori Flynn, Public Affairs Officer

603-624-4366