Expanded VA benefits a “game changer” for local veterans
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – On March 5, 2024, the VA announced that all veterans exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving in the military could enroll directly in VA health care.
It was a dramatic expansion of coverage guaranteed in the PACT Act, which was supposed to take a phased-in approach, over eight years, for millions of veterans to become eligible for VA health care.
Eric Ruiz now lives in Brazos County and served as a Surgical Technician in the Air Force for nine years.
“I applied for benefits when I first got out of the military and was denied, denied, denied and after being denied so many times, I kind of gave up,” Ruiz said.
Just moments before we spoke with him, he learned the changes now guarantee him coverage.
“I’m now covered for health VA healthcare because I served in Iraq,” Ruiz said.
Ruiz is one of around 2,700 veterans in Brazos County alone who now qualify.
Brazos County Veterans Service Officer Pamela Robertson said she has been working around the clock to work with veterans now seeking coverage.
“We had quite a few messages when we came in and we’re trying to call them all back because this means healthcare for a lot of veterans that didn’t qualify beforehand,” Robertson said. “I mean, anytime you can help a veteran, it’s so rewarding, you know, and they deserve it.”
For Ruiz, it’s a big shift.
“I mean, it’s 100% game changer because now, issues that I may have had, you know my back, my ankle, my PTSD, hopefully I can get mental health coverage now without having to go into my own personal healthcare [and] have the VA help me out for helping them out for my time in service,” Ruiz said. “So it’s a huge game changer.”
Any veteran or veteran family who thinks they may qualify for coverage is encouraged to visit VA.gov or consult a local Veteran Service Officer.
Alex Egan is covering veterans and veterans’ issues for KBTX. If you have a story idea, please reach out to him at alex.egan@kbtx.com
