Laos from Decemthrough September 30, 1969Ĭambodia at Mimot or Krek, Kampong Cham Province from Apthrough April 30, 1969 or Royal Thai military base in Thailand from Januthrough June 30, 1976 The PACT Act also adds several new locations where veterans will have a presumption of exposure to Agent Orange:Īny U.S. Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) The PACT Act also lists two new presumptive conditions related to Agent Orange, a herbicide mixture used during the Vietnam War. Likewise, you have a presumed exposure if you served on or after Augin any of these locations: You have a presumed exposure if you served on or after Septemin any of these locations:Īirspace above any of the named locations If you served in certain locations during specified periods, the VA will assume you were exposed to burn pits or other toxins. The PACT Act lists more than 20 presumptive conditions including a dozen cancers and other respiratory illnesses linked to burn pit exposures. However, the PACT Act’s presumptive conditions will assume that these illnesses were caused by a toxic exposure while serving. Typically, a veteran with diagnosed conditions had to prove service connections with paperwork and exams. That rating determines the amount of a veteran’s monthly disability benefits. The VA assigns a disability rating based on the severity of the condition. If a veteran has a health condition caused by their service, they may be eligible for free healthcare and disability benefits. Adds coverage for more presumptive conditions But, if you were discharged or released before Octoand meet certain conditions, there is a 1-year special enrollment period from Octoand October 1, 2023. The PACT Act extends the time post-9/11 combat veterans have to enroll in VA healthcare from 5 to 10 years after discharge. Even if you’re a veteran who is not sure you meet the requirements, the VA encourages you to apply for benefits under the PACT Act.įor instance, most post-9/11 veterans who are eligible were discharged or released on or after October 1, 2013. There are requirements to determine eligibility. Now, benefits will be extended to veterans with toxic exposures and those who served during the Vietnam War, Gulf War, and post-9/11 eras. Thanks to the PACT Act, more veterans will be eligible for free healthcare from the VA. We discuss more about each new benefit below. This new law:Īdds coverage for a longer list of presumptive conditionsĪdds more presumptive exposure locations for Agent OrangeĮstablishes a department for toxic exposure research The PACT Act makes it easier for veterans who have been exposed to burn pits and other toxins to qualify for free healthcare and financial benefits. How does the 2022 PACT Act affect VA benefits? The legislation was celebrated as the largest expansion of VA healthcare in three decades. 1st Class Heath Robinson, a combat medic who died of lung cancer in 2020 at age 39, the act was signed into law by President Joe Biden in August 2022. Toxic exposures can have harmful consequences, contributing to respiratory conditions and certain cancers. The PACT Act expands healthcare benefits for veterans who may have been exposed to toxic materials while on active duty. If you qualify for these benefits, file as soon as possible because a backlog is expected. This law offers a new avenue for disability compensation to veterans as well as payments to survivors of veterans who had toxic exposures while serving. The new law - formally the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022 - makes benefits available to many veterans who were exposed to hazardous materials such as burn pits and Agent Orange. history, the PACT Act aims to simplify the process of providing help to veterans. Those who were exposed to toxic substances during their service may now have ongoing considerations about their health and medical bills.Ĭonsidered one of the largest expansions of healthcare benefits in U.S. armed forces spent time away from their families and some even risked their lives.
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