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PACT Act

The PACT Act, or the Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022, is a new law that expands and improves VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to toxic substances. The law makes it easier for Veterans to get the care they need by: 

  • Expanding eligibility for VA health care to include Veterans with toxic exposures from all eras, including the Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11 eras. 
  • Adding more than 20 new presumptive conditions for burn pits and other toxic exposures, meaning that Veterans who develop these conditions will be presumed to have been caused by their military service, even if they cannot prove direct exposure. 
  • Adding more presumptive-exposure locations for Agent Orange and radiation, meaning that Veterans who served in certain areas will be presumed to have been exposed to these substances, even if they cannot provide specific details about their exposure. 
  • Requiring VA to provide a toxic exposure screening to every Veteran enrolled in VA health care, so that Veterans can be identified and treated early for any health problems related to their exposure. 
  • Investing in research, staff education, and treatment related to toxic exposures, so that VA can better understand the long-term health effects of these exposures and provide the best possible care to Veterans. 

If you are a Veteran who has been exposed to toxic substances, the PACT Act could mean that you are now eligible for VA health care and benefits for conditions that you may have developed because of your exposure. You may also be eligible for a one-time payment if you have been diagnosed with a qualifying condition. The deadline to apply for back pay is August 9, though you can still apply for disability through he PACT Act after the deadline. 

To find out more about how the PACT Act could affect you, you can visit the VA website or call 1-800-827-1000. 

Here are some specific examples of how the PACT Act could affect your VA benefits and care: 

  • If you served in the Gulf War and have been diagnosed with asthma, you may now be eligible for VA health care and benefits for your asthma, even if you cannot prove that it was caused by your exposure to burn pits. 
  • If you served in Vietnam and have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, you may now be eligible for a one-time payment. 
  • If you are enrolled in VA health care, you will be required to undergo a toxic exposure screening. This screening will help VA identify any health problems that you may have developed because of your exposure to toxic substances. 

The PACT Act is a significant piece of legislation that will provide much-needed relief to Veterans who have been exposed to toxic substances. If you are a Veteran who has been affected by toxic exposure, I encourage you to learn more about how the PACT Act could help you. 

Learn more at the VA’s website by clicking here. If you are a MI-10 resident with questions, contact my Warren office at (586) 498-7122.