https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/
WASHINGTON — Today, VA announced that all Veterans who were exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving in the military — at home or abroad — will be eligible to enroll directly in VA health care beginning March 5, 2024. This means 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 will be eligible to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits. Additionally, Veterans who never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or on active duty in the United States will also be eligible to enroll.
VA has announced that they are expanding healthcare eligibility to all veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other combat zone after 9/11/2001. Originally, the PACT Act called for a phased in approach, but at the direction of President Biden, VA has instead opened this expanded eligibility to VA Healthcare effective March 5, 2024.
https://www.va.gov/health-care/apply/application/introduction
In one of the largest-ever expansions of Veteran health care (va.gov)
Lifetime Liberty Pass
The Lifetime Liberty Pass offers various benefits, including free entry to state parks, DEC-operated day-use areas, boat launch sites, historic sites, and more. It also provides perks like free golf at State Park golf courses, access to State Park pools, and discounts on camping and cabin rentals.
https://veterans.ny.gov/lifetime-liberty-pass
www.tax.ny.gov/pit/property/exemption/vetexempt.htm
Veterans exemptions
New property tax exemption for permanently and totally disabled veterans
Recent legislation created a new property tax exemption for eligible veterans who are considered by the United States Veterans Administration to have a permanent and total disability as a result of military service (see RPTL 458-a(11) as enacted by L.2025, chap.672 and amended by L.2026 chaps.59 [Pt. EE] and 77). This exemption will apply to assessment rolls based on taxable status dates occurring on or after October 1, 2026. The application, instructions, and other resources are in process and will be posted here when they are available.