On March 5, 2024, the VA announced that all veterans who were exposed to toxins while serving our country are eligible to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits. Additionally, the VA has promised to use every tool at its disposal to ensure that as many of these veterans possible will make the decision to use VA as their healthcare.
This expansion of care 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 will be eligible to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits. Additionally, Veterans who never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or on active duty in the United States will also be eligible to enroll.
You might be asking why should I apply for VA health care? The answer is simple; the VA provides the best and most affordable health care for Veterans in America. Veterans who are enrolled in VA health care are proven to have better health outcomes than those who get their care elsewhere. And this year alone, VA has beaten non-VA hospitals in quality ratings and patient satisfaction ratings. Last, VA health care isn’t only the best option for Veterans – it’s often the most affordable – with copays as low as $0 for prescriptions, urgent care, outpatient care, and more for some Veterans at VA.
Don’t wait, if you were exposed to toxins while serving our country, please connect with your Nevada County Veterans Services Office for assistance applying for your VA healthcare.
Contact David West, Nevada County Veterans Service Officer, at (530) 265-1446 or david.west@nevadacountyca.gov. The Nevada County Veteran’s Services Office, located at 988 McCourtney Road in Grass Valley, is open from 8:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
