What Exactly Does the PACT Act Do for Veterans?
Veterans are faced with numerous challenges and, unfortunately, many life-threatening experiences. Some are exposed to toxic substances while they are working for the government and protecting their country. The PACT Act is a tool that aims to provide some protection for Veterans who may have been exposed to toxic substances.
If you are a Veteran, and you are fighting for benefits or have concerns about your right to benefits as a disabled Vet, contact The VA Claims Lawyer. Disabled Veteran and Lawyer Al Giordano is an advocate for you and ready to help you learn more about the VA benefits you receive under the PACT Act.
What Is the PACT Act?
The PACT Act was put in place in August of 2022. It expands the VA health care and benefits available to Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxic substances. The PACT Act is the most significant expansion of VA health care in the last 30 years.
The law, officially called The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act, aims to provide protections for generations of Veterans and their families in numerous ways.
Here are some of the key points for the PACT Act VA benefits provision:
Veterans with toxic exposure from the Vietnam, Gulf War and post-9/11 eras are eligible for this type of expanded protection.
The law added more than 20 presumptive conditions that occurred from toxic exposure risks, including from burn pits and Agent Orange exposure.
It also added more presumptive exposure locations for those who were faced with Agent Orange or radiation.
The law makes it a requirement that the Department of Veterans Affairs provide toxic exposure screening services to any Veteran who is enrolled in the VA health care system.
In addition to these areas, the law also makes it necessary for ongoing research and staff education to be provided so that those with toxic exposure can receive the best possible level of care. Treatment research is also included in this process.
Who May Be Eligible for the PACT Act?
It is always wise to work with a VA disability benefits attorney to determine what your specific eligibility is. However, those who are eligible to enroll can do so without first applying for disability benefits. You will need to meet the necessary basic service requirements as well as discharge requirements to qualify for VA health care benefits.
In addition to those rules, you must also meet the following in order for you to apply to and qualify for the PACT Act:
You served in the Vietnam War, Iraq, The Gulf War, Afghanistan or any combat zone around the world after 9/11 OR
You were deployed to support the Global War on Terror OR
You were exposed to some type of toxins or hazards during your military service at home or abroad.
If you meet one of these 3 requirements, you can apply for and enroll in the PACT Act and start receiving additional benefits.
To qualify for exposure support, you must have been exposed to recognized risks. The toxins and hazards related to the PACT Act include:
Burn pits
Sand and dust
Particulates
Oil well or sulfur fires
Chemicals
Radiation
Warfare agents
Depleted uranium
Herbicides
Other occupational hazards
What Conditions Are Considered Presumptive to Toxic Exposure?
Under the PACT Act, a person who meets the qualifications above and has one of the following conditions may be considered to have a presumptive condition. Some of the qualifying conditions include:
Brain cancer
Melanoma
Gastrointestinal cancer of any form
Glioblastoma
Head cancer of any form
Lymphoma of any form
Kidney cancer
Reproductive cancer of any form
Pancreatic cancer of any form
Neck cancer of any form
Respiratory cancer of any form
In addition to this, the PACT Act also links the following illnesses to being presumptive of exposure and qualifying for additional health care benefits and protections:
Chronic bronchitis
Asthma diagnosed after service
Emphysema
Constrictive bronchiolitis or obliterative bronchiolitis
Chronic rhinitis
Chronic sinusitis
Sarcoidosis
Pulmonary fibrosis
Pleuritis
Interstitial lung disease
Granulomatous disease
If you served during one of these periods and you have one of these illnesses or forms of cancer, reach out to a VA benefits attorney for guidance. You may be able to obtain the compensation and support you need through the VA.
What Qualifying for the PACT Act Means to You
If you fall into one of these categories, you may still be unsure what rights you have or what to do next. VA disability benefits and other care may be available to you. The law expands the eligibility for VA health care to those who have these types of toxic exposures. That means that more of the care you need may be covered under VA health care rules.
Our promise to you is: No fee unless you win.
How Our Vet Advocate Can Help You
At The VA Claims Lawyer, our legal team can help you navigate the PACT Act as well as any other claims against the VA or the government you may have. If you are looking for help to cover the cost of your medical care as you fight for your life, know that our legal team is on your side and ready to help you.
When you meet with our VA claims attorney, we will discuss your case as well as your illness, symptoms, and care. We then will talk about when and where you served, what you did and how that could have contributed to the onset of your illness. Even if you are not sure of a connection, we encourage you to reach out to us for immediate guidance and support.
Schedule a Consultation with a Vet Advocate Today
The VA Claims Lawyer is available to discuss the PACT Act and VA benefits in general with you. Contact our VA claims attorney today to discuss your specific situation and why you may be eligible for VA health care. Contact us for a consultation at 850-542-7985.
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