Things to know about the PACT Act

“Thank you to all of the Veterans, survivors and family members who fought tirelessly to make this day possible and thank you to President Biden for keeping our nation’s promise to those who served. We at VA will stop at nothing to make sure that every Veteran and every survivor gets the PACT Act-related care and benefits they deserve.” -VA Secretary Denis R. McDonough

On August 10, 2022, President Biden signed into law the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act. The PACT Act is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. We Honor Veterans is looking forward to many Veterans and survivors being able to have access to these benefits.

The PACT Act will bring the following changes to VA Benefits:

Expand and extend eligibility for VA health care for Veterans with toxic exposures and Veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11 eras
Adds more than 20 new presumptive conditions for burn pits and other toxic exposures
Adds more presumptive-exposure locations for Agent Orange and radiation
Requires VA to provide a toxic exposure screening to every Veteran enrolled in VA health care
Helps us improve research, staff education, and treatment related to toxic exposures

(Source: https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/)

If you think a loved one or a patient might be eligible for PACT Act benefits, here’s what you need to know:

You can apply for PACT Act-related benefits now by filing a claim at VA.
As President Biden announced at the bill signing, they are making all 23 presumptive conditions in the PACT Act eligible for benefits effective, August 10.
You can learn more about the PACT Act by visiting VA.gov/PACT or calling 1-800-MY-VA-411.