As a veteran, you may have been exposed to toxic substances during your service, which can lead to long-term health issues. Fortunately, the PACT Act provides new benefits to help veterans who have been exposed to harmful substances while serving.
The PACT Act, short for “Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022,” is a bill designed to help veterans exposed to toxic substances during their military service. This bill addresses healthcare and treatment, VA presumptions of certain conditions caused by toxic exposure, required screening, VA research on exposure, and resources for veterans and VA staff.
Expanded Eligibility for VA Health Care
The PACT Act expands eligibility for VA medical care, including mental health services and counseling, to veterans who have either participated in a toxic exposure risk activity, served in specific locations on specified dates, or deployed in support of a specified contingency operation. This means that more veterans who have been exposed to toxic substances during their service can now access the care they need.
Exposure to Burn Pits
Exposure to burn pits is a significant concern for many veterans. The PACT Act recognizes the dangers of burn pits and expands benefits for those exposed to burn pits during their service. Veterans who were stationed near burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan may now be eligible for health care and benefits related to their exposure.
Expanded Health Care for Toxic Exposed Veterans
Veterans who have been exposed to toxic substances during specific operations will now have access to expanded healthcare services, including:
• Operation Enduring Freedom
• Operation Freedom’s Sentinel
• Operation Iraqi Freedom
• Operation New Dawn
• Operation Inherent Resolve
• Resolute Support Mission
In addition, all veterans enrolled in VA health care will be automatically screened for toxic exposure.
Extended Eligibility for Health Care for Certain Combat Veterans
The PACT Act also extends the period of eligibility for health care for veterans with combat service. Previously, these veterans had only 5 years to access health care, but now they'll have up to 10 years, with a one-year open enrollment period for those who missed their window. This gives exposed veterans more time to get the care they need after service.
Presumptions of Toxic Exposure
The PACT Act is dedicated to helping veterans by expanding presumptions of toxic exposure for those who served in specific locations and dates or participated in certain activities. This helps expedite processing of claims and access to benefits.
Specific Locations and Dates
The PACT Act recognizes that Gulf War and Post-9/11 veterans who served in certain locations may have been exposed to toxic substances. The following locations and dates are covered by the Act:
- On or after August 2, 1990, in Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, or the United Arab Emirates.
- On or after September 11, 2001, in Afghanistan, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Uzbekistan, or any other country determined to be relevant by the Secretary.
Agent Orange Exposure
Agent Orange exposure is a significant concern for many veterans, and the PACT Act expands presumptions related to this toxic chemical. The following locations have been added as recognized areas for Agent Orange exposure: Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Guam, American Samoa, and Johnston Atoll. Additionally, hypertension (high blood pressure) and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (a condition where an abnormal protein is found in your blood) are two conditions that have been added to the Agent Orange presumptive list.
Radiation Exposure
Veterans who participated in cleanup activities in Enewetak Atoll or took part in nuclear response activities near Palomares, Spain, and Thule, Greenland, are now presumed to have been exposed to radiation. This helps streamline the process for these veterans when seeking benefits related to their service.
If you believe you were exposed to toxic substances during your service, it's important to contact the VA and get screened for toxic exposures. With the new benefits provided by the PACT Act, exposed veterans have more access to the care and benefits they deserve.
If you are a veteran seeking assistance with your disability claims, Lawyers for American Vets can help. Call us at (614) 799-VETS to get started today.
