U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle released the statement below following the Department of Veterans Affairs announcement expanding health care eligibility to millions of veterans — including all veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan or any other combat zone after 9/11 — years earlier than called for by the Honoring Our PACT Act.
“As a member of the bipartisan PFAS Task Force, when I voted for the Honoring our PACT Act, I did so because toxic-exposed veterans held up their end of the deal — and it was only right that we in Congress did the same. This historic expansion of benefits and elimination of a phased-in approach will expedite the delivery of critical healthcare that will greatly improve the health of countless military veterans. Studies have shown that veterans who are enrolled in VA health care are proven to have better health outcomes than non-enrolled veterans. This action to remove barriers that stand between veterans and timely access to necessary healthcare will no doubt save lives. It is the least we can do to those who have sacrificed so much for our freedoms.”
For more information about how the PACT Act is helping veterans and their survivors, visit department.VA.gov.
To apply for care or benefits, visit VA.gov or call 800-MYVA411.
More information on eligibility can be found at VA.gov/PACT. ••
