All veterans exposed to toxins and other hazards eligible for VA health care starting March 5 [Video]

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – In an expansion to veterans health care, beginning Tuesday, March 5, all veterans who, while at home or abroad, were exposed to toxins and other hazards are eligible to enroll directly in VA health care, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“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 will be eligible to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits,” the VA announcement states. “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.”

Veterans who participated in a toxic exposure risk activity, or TERA, are eligible under this expansion, even if they were never deployed. According to the Department, those “who were exposed to …