The PACT Act, How Recent Law Changes are Helping Veterans
Veterans Day is on Friday, November 11, and it is right around the corner! Every year we take a day to honor our military veterans for their service and dedication to the United States of America. As VA attorneys, it is our duty to ensure that every Veteran is taken care of and provided the financial and emotional support they deserve. VA laws that have been in place for decades are changing. In 2022, Congress voted on The PACT Act, which provides Veterans and their families with additional health care and benefits. If you are a Veteran and need guidance on how these recent changes may apply to you, feel free to call us at 877 VET FILE.
How the PACT Act is helping veterans and their families
In August of this year, The PACT (Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics) Act was passed. It is one of the largest healthcare coverage and benefits expansions for veterans in U.S. history and covers veterans from Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11. The top three benefits passed within the PACT Act include the following:
23 new recognized presumptive conditions for burn pits and other toxic exposures
More exposure locations eligible for Agent Orange and radiation presumptive conditions
Toxic exposure screening for every Veteran enrolled in VA healthcare.
After applying and being approved for VA Healthcare, eligible veterans are given a toxic exposure screening. This is done to help further identify with what, when, and where the veteran was exposed to toxins. When filing for disabilities, the veteran can use the screening as evidence for presumptive conditions. This disability rating confirms that the veteran’s service caused their condition and will determine how much disability compensation they'll receive each month, along with other VA benefits.
With Presumptive Service-Connection, the VA presumes that certain disabilities were caused by military service. If a presumed condition is diagnosed in a veteran, they can be awarded disability compensation. Since the PACT Act was passed, veterans no longer need to rely on finding additional proof for their presumptive conditions; you only need to meet the service requirements.
The VA claims process has many different laws and regulations, numerous scenarios for effective dates of awards and claims, and different requirements for evidence. You go to a doctor for medical advice and financial planners for financial help, so come to us at The VA Claims lawyer for an experienced VA attorney who will help you get the disability rating you deserve.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act supports Marines, family members, and any civilian employees/contractors harmed by exposure to contaminated water. These veterans, their families, and employees/contractors stationed at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 were exposed to drinking and bathing water and are at risk for long-term illnesses. These claimants can now sue the government for injuries from exposure to harmful chemicals from the drinking water.
According to the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination (CLWC) benefits eligibility guidelines, all it took was 30 days to have lifelong health problems from simply drinking the water. The two wells that had these chemicals were shut down in 1985.
This toxic exposure may have led to several health issues for veterans and their family members. These severe health issues include:
cancer, including bladder, lung, and breast cancer.
cardiac problems
congenital disabilities
hepatic steatosis
leukemia
miscarriage
Parkinson's disease
scleroderma
If you are a veteran, family member, or civilian employee/contractor who was stationed at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, don't hesitate to contact our experienced VA attorney to learn about your legal options.
Working with an experienced VA attorney, you can trust
Although historic legislation was passed this year, it is horrifying that our veterans and their families were exposed to toxic and harmful chemicals. Unfortunately, these toxicants have proven to be extremely dangerous and even fatal. Therefore, it is essential that you are awarded the compensation you deserve under this new legislation.
At The VA Claims Lawyer, we're not just your legal representative. We're your advocate. We've successfully assisted countless veterans in getting the VA benefits they deserve. We're confident we can also help you obtain the best possible outcome in your case. If we don't win your case, there is no fee. Contact us today at (877) VET-FILE for your free case evaluation, or submit your inquiry on our website.
