Veterans who deployed to a combat zone and who left the military between Sept. 11, 2001 and Oct. 1, 2013 are eligible to enroll for health care through the VA up until Sept. 30.
The special enrollment period allows combat veterans who never enrolled in VA health care before to get benefits.
"Even if you don’t need this care now, you may need it in the future," said Veteran Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough in a press release. "And once you’re in, you have access for life. But don't wait."
An influx of applications ahead of a different deadline a few weeks ago caused some veterans to receive error messages when using the VA's online application tool.
The expansion of veteran benefits is part of the PACT Act, a sweeping piece of legislation first proposed by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) to help veterans exposed to toxic chemicals.
