The agreement lawor Sergeant First Class (SFC) Heath Robinson keeps his promise to tackle the Comprehensive Toxic Substances (PACT) ActThis is an important law that expands the veterans issues Health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn scars, defoliants, and other toxic substances. This law has been around for generations. veterans, and their survivors are receiving the care and benefits they have rightfully earned and deserved. What's even more exciting is that starting March 5, 2024, VA health care services will be expanded to millions of veterans. This is earlier than originally anticipated under the PACT Act.
of agreement law It brings about several important changes that will positively impact veterans' health care and benefits.
- Expands and extends health care eligibility for veterans exposed to toxic substances and for Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11 veterans.
- Add more than 20 estimated conditions for exposure to burns, defoliants, and other toxic substances.
- Additional locations of probable exposure to defoliants and radiation are included.
- Requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide toxic exposure screening to all veterans enrolled in VA health care.
- Improving research, staff education, and treatment related to exposure to toxic substances.
you veteran or survivor, you can now submit a claim for PACT Act-related benefits. This can make a huge difference to access to care and support.
What else do I need to know?
Having a presumptive condition of exposure to a toxic substance means that VA automatically assumes or “presume” that your services caused your health condition. This is an important aspect of the PACT Act because it simplifies the process for veterans to receive disability ratings without having to prove that military service was the direct cause of their symptoms. This comes as a huge relief to many veterans who have struggled to make connections between their health issues and their service hours.
If you have questions about how the PACT Act affects you or your loved one, please contact us at 800-698-2411 (TTY: 711). Additionally, you can take proactive steps by filing a PACT Act-related disability claim or applying for VA health care online. We are here to support you through this process and ensure you receive the care and benefits you deserve.
