April is Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Awareness month

By NDVS Deputy Director of Benefits Lisa Maciel  

The month of April is Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Awareness month. Not only is this a topic most people don’t want to discuss, but you’re probably wondering what this has to do with Veterans and any potential benefits, right? It is a very relevant subject for several reasons.  

The PACT Act passed on August 10, 2022, and listed several conditions that are presumptive conditions of military service-if service member served in specified locations after 09/11/2001. There are several cancers caused by a common STI known as HPV, or human papillomavirus. HPV usually goes away, but when it doesn’t, it can cause several cancers. According to the National Cancer Institute, HPV can cause 6 types of cancer: anal cancer, cervical cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, penile cancer, vaginal cancer, and vulvar cancer.  

If a veteran (meeting the eligibility requirements) has cancer that is active, the veteran would presumably be rated at 100% up until 6 months after completion of successful treatment. After completion of successful treatment, residual effects will need to be investigated for potential service-connected ratings.  

If the veteran passed away from one of the conditions, the veterans’ dependent survivors could potentially be eligible for survivor benefits, if the veteran and dependent survivors meet all eligibility requirements. In addition, a veteran that incurred an STI while on a qualifying military pay status may be able to obtain a service-connected rating, if they have documentation of the initial diagnosis while on that qualifying pay status and continue to have an active diagnosis or residual effects after separation.  

Veterans and survivors are encouraged to speak with a Veteran Service Officer regarding potential claims eligibility; you can reach a VSO at veterans.nv.gov/ask-a-vso/. 

In addition, on March 5, 2024, the VA Expanded the PACT Act once again, enabling all Veterans who meet the basic service and discharge requirements and were exposed to toxins while in service to enroll in VA health care without first applying for any VA benefits, meaning 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 may be eligible to enroll directly in VA health care even if they do not have a claim in progress, or are not currently ill or injured.  

Veterans may apply online at va.gov, through their local VA Medical Center eligibility office, or by calling (800) 222-8387.