Veterans all over the U.S. who served in combat zones between Sept. 11, 2001, and Oct. 1, 2013, can directly enroll in VA health care until Sept. 30 without applying for VA benefits. The initiative is part of the PACT Act, which significantly expanded VA health care and benefits, according to an Aug. 22 news release.

"Are you a veteran who deployed to a combat zone but never enrolled in VA health care? If you left active duty between Sept. 11, 2001, and Oct. 1, 2013, you should sign up now," VA Secretary Denis McDonough said in the release. "Even if you don’t need this care now, you may need it in the future – and once you’re in, you have access for life.  But don’t wait – the deadline is Sept. 30 — so go to VA.gov/PACT and apply today."

Since August 2022, the act has allowed more than 344,000 veterans to enroll in VA healthcare, and has provided screenings for toxic exposures to more than 4.2 million veterans. McDonough urged eligible veterans to sign up for care, emphasizing the lifelong access it provides, the news release reported.

The department claims President Joe Biden's commitment to veterans is evident in the PACT Act, which extended the eligibility window for veterans who deployed to combat zones to enroll in VA health care from five to 10 years and expanded VA benefits for millions, making more than 300 health conditions "presumptive" for service connection, according to the news release. 

VA has already distributed more than $1.85 billion in PACT Act benefits to veterans and their survivors, the release reported.

More information on eligibility for this special enrollment period can be found at VA.gov/PACT, and a nationwide campaign is underway to ensure all eligible veterans enroll before the Sept. 30 deadline, the news release said.