Dear Friends,

One of my top priorities in Congress is ensuring our veterans have access to the health care they need and the benefits they earned. We passed the Honoring Our PACT Act to expand VA health care eligibility, strengthen coverage for illnesses related to toxic exposure, and dedicate new resources to improve claims processing. 

Last month, the VA announced that veterans exposed to Agent Orange will be eligible for fast-track disability benefits, and, starting today, all veterans who were exposed to toxins or other hazards during their service, whether at home or overseas, can directly enroll in VA health care. 

More than 500,000 veterans have enrolled since President Biden signed the PACT Act into law, and this announcement will expand coverage to millions more – the largest expansion of veterans’ health care in our nation’s history.

Any veteran who served in Vietnam, the Gulf War, or was deployed to a combat zone after 9/11 can enroll, as well as veterans who were not deployed but were exposed to hazards while training or on active duty. Visit VA.gov/PACT or call 1-800-MYVA411 to apply for care or benefits. Some veterans may be eligible for both Medicare and coverage through the VA, which can further lower your co-pay or deductible.      

Should you have any questions or if I can assist you with a federal agency, please contact my District Office at 860-278-8888. To follow what I’m working on both in Washington and in Connecticut, visit my Facebook page, follow me on Twitter, or follow me on Instagram.     

Regards,

John B. Larson
Member of Congress