The New PACT Act Expands Health Care and Benefits for Burn Pit and Toxic Injuries

The Sergeant First Class (SFC) Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act is one of the largest benefit expansions in the VA history. The recently passed PACT Act is for Veterans that were exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances.

For years Veterans have had to go through arduous procedures to get the VA to acknowledge their service-connected illnesses regarding environmental hazard exposure while serving. This historic change gives hope to many Veterans.

Changes the PACT Act will Create

• Adds presumptive conditions for toxic exposures and burn pits
• Requires the VA to do toxic exposure screenings
• Extends and expands eligibility for VA health care for toxic exposures
• Adds more presumptive-exposure locations for radiation and Agent Orange
• Helps the VA to improve treatment, research, and staff education

What the PACT Act Does

The PACT Act will provide new support for approximately 3.5 million Veterans. It ensures that Veterans that were exposed to toxins receive the benefits they justly deserve.

Veterans who served in recent wars will be provided with five more years of medical care coverage from the VA – regardless of their health. Older generations of Veterans will also see new help.  It will expand their benefits for illnesses that are believed to be associated with burn pit smoke in Afghanistan and Iraq as well as Vietnam Veterans exposed to Agent Orange.

Receiving Benefits

You can apply now for benefits. The VA is considering all conditions that were established by the PACT Act presumptive. You can file a claim online, by mail, or person, or with the help of a Veteran Service Officer.

If the VA previously denied your claim but it is now considered a presumptive condition, the VA states that you are urged to file a Supplemental Claim. The claim will be reviewed under the new process.

For more information visit the VA website here.