The PACT Act (Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act) was signed into law on August 10, 2022, to improve healthcare for veterans exposed to toxic substances during their service. It is the largest health care and benefit expansion in VA history. The VA was able to expand access to all veterans starting March 5th 2024.
All Veterans who meet the basic service discharge requirements and who were exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving can enroll directly in VA healthcare without having to apply for disability benefits first.
You are eligible to enroll if any of the following are true:
· You served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other combat zone after 9/11,
OR
· You deployed in support of the Global War on Terror, OR
· You were exposed to toxins or other hazards during military service at home or abroad.
The VA is encouraging all veterans to get their screening done, even if you do not have any symptoms, so that if your health changes the VA can tie it back to your military service. This screening is done every 5 years.
Veterans (or wife/widow) can file a claim (or ‘intent to file a claim’ as you gather your paperwork) for the new presumptive conditions. If you have a disease or condition and it’s tied to an area of service, where the VA knows you were exposed to certain substances, they will “presume” or assume that it was a result of military service. If you have a presumptive condition, you don’t need to prove that your service caused the condition. You only need to meet the service requirements for the presumption.
If you’ve been denied before the PACT Act, and your condition is now considered presumptive, it is encouraged to ask that your case be reconsidered and submit a supplemental claim. If you’re a surviving family member of the veteran, you may be eligible for the following benefits:
· A monthly VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC) payment (You may qualify if you’re the surviving spouse, dependent child or parent of a Veteran who died from a service- connected disability)
· A one-time accrued benefits payment (you may qualify if you’re a surviving spouse, dependent child or dependent parent of a veteran who the VA owed unpaid benefits at the time of their death.)
· A survivors Pension (you may qualify if you’re a surviving spouse or child of a Veteran with wartime service)
To find out more about the PACT Act, go to VA.gov/PACT or call 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411)
NOTE: You will not have to pay someone to help you file a claim.