VA administrators clarify conditions for veterans seeking benefits for toxin exposure

Millions of veterans exposed to toxins in war zones while serving in the military at home or abroad are just days away from being able to apply for benefits.

It's part of an expansion of VA health care PACT Act announced earlier this week by the Biden Administration.

Local VA Administrators spoke with WRAL News about the application process.

The Fayetteville VA Health Center is probably one of the places where thousands of veterans who were exposed to toxins will come to apply for benefits. But before you jump in your car and head down here, listen to what the VA says about applying.

They've served our nation proudly in many places around the world most Americans can't even pronounce.

Unfortunately, during their tour of duty, many service members were exposed to toxins from Agent Orange in Vietnam fumes from burning oil fields and burn pits inside command post in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Beginning March 5, if you served in one of those areas, you can enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits.

"Even if you never deployed, but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or serving on active duty here at home, while working with chemicals, pesticides, lead, asbestos, certain paints, nuclear weapons, x-rays and more, you can enroll, too," said Dr. Sherreff Elnahal with the VA.

That means millions of veterans will be eligible to enroll for benefits eight years earlier than previously allowed under the Pact Act.

In Fayetteville, the local VA system says there are several ways to apply without leaving your home.

"They can call, first of all," said Chief of Public Affairs with the Fayetteville VA Coastal Health Care Center Gigail Cureton. "In addition to calling, for many of our Veterans. They can go online at va.gov. So, they'll have that opportunity to log in and sign up at va.gov."

The number to call to apply is 877-222-8387. The toll-free hotline is available Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Veterans can also mail in their enrollment or you can visit a VA Center and apply in person. The date to begin applying for benefits is March 5.

The VA says not everyone is going to qualify for benefits, but everyone who thinks they've been exposed to toxins should take advantage of this opportunity to have their case heard.