---
title: Do you routinely ask your patients if they have served in the military?
description: Important features of the recently passed PACT Act and 'presumptive conditions'.
---

[Practice Support Services](https://go.northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/practicesupport)

# [Do you routinely ask your patients if they have served in the military?](https://go.northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/practicesupport/do-you-routinely-ask-your-patients-if-they-have-served-in-the-military)

 Written by [Leslie D McDowell, DNP, ANP-BC, RN](https://go.northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/practicesupport/author/leslie-d-mcdowell-dnp-anp-bc-rn) | Nov 22, 2022 6:55:09 PM

Many Veterans seek and receive care outside of the Veteran's Administration system.  Military service is an important part of a patient's history.  The '[Have You Ever Served](https://www.haveyoueverserved.com/intake-questions.html)' initiative, spearheaded by Michele Obama and Jill Biden, provides general intake questions to explore a Veteran's military history, areas of concern and common military health risks, along with other resources.

Aside from ensuring this is asked as part of intake, why is this important?

- The PACT Act *("Sergeant First Class (SFC) Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act")* is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances.
- This law helps provide generations of Veterans and their survivors with the care and benefits they've earned and deserve.
- There are many presumptive conditions based on the PACT Act that have been added, thereby expanding benefits for Gulf War era and post-9/11 Veterans.

We encourage you to learn more about presumptive medical conditions, the [PACT Act and how your Veteran patients may benefit.](https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/)

 

[View full post](https://go.northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/practicesupport/do-you-routinely-ask-your-patients-if-they-have-served-in-the-military)

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