Military veterans who served in combat since 11 November 1998, including veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, are now eligible for five years of free medical care for most conditions from the VA. This measure increases a two year limit that has been in effect nearly a decade, and has no effect on veterans with medical conditions related to their military service. Veterans may apply at any time after their discharge from the military for medical care for service-connected health problems. The expanded benefit is part of the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Act signed by President Bush in January and applies to care in a VA hospital, outpatient clinic or nursing home. It also extends VA dental benefit availability from 90 to 180 days after discharge