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The PACT Act Compensates Veterans with Burn Pit or Toxin Exposure

ByArmyConnect™ Reading Time: 7 minutes

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In the wake of serving their country, many veterans find themselves battling another enemy: the long-lasting effects of toxin exposure during their military service. From burn pit smoke to other hazardous substances, these brave individuals grapple with serious illnesses that can significantly impact their lives. However, a glimmer of hope is on the horizon – the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT Act). This bill, as the name implies, is a promising legislation that aims to address and rectify the issue of military toxic exposure. It seeks to fulfill the long-overdue promise made to our servicemen and women, ensuring that they receive the necessary support and compensation for the illnesses resulting from their exposure. This groundbreaking act holds the potential to provide veterans the justice they deserve, offering them a chance to reclaim their health and well-being.

  • Introduction
  • What is the PACT Act?
  • What Contingency or Combat Operations are Included?
  • How Does the PACT Act help Army Veterans
  • What Does the PACT ACT Offer in Terms of Disability Claims?
  • How Much Compensation Can Veterans Receive Through the PACT Act?
  • How Can Veterans Benefit From the PACT Act’s Back Payments?
  • Conclusion

Introduction

The PACT Act (entire bill with amendments and corrections), also known as the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act, is a crucial legislation that aims to provide assistance and support to Army veterans who may have developed severe health issues due to exposure to burn pit smoke and other toxic hazards during their military service. This act facilitates the submission of disability claims by veterans, enabling them to receive compensation for their medical conditions. This compensation can include up to a year of back payments, sometimes more than $50,000. In this blog post, we will delve into the critical aspects of the PACT ACT and how it benefits veterans with health claims related to military toxic exposure.

What is the PACT Act?

The PACT Act, or Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act, and named in honor of Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson, an Army combat medic who died in 2020 from lung cancer, is a legislative effort established to address military veterans’ health concerns due to exposure to toxic substances during service. It aims to support veterans who may have developed severe illnesses due to exposure to burn pit smoke and other hazardous substances encountered while serving in the armed forces.

From the 2022 PACT Act (117th Congress, 2022):

“(G) Beginning not later than the applicable date specified in paragraph (6), and subject to paragraph (2), a veteran who participated in a toxic exposure risk activity while serving on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training is eligible for hospital care (including mental health services and counseling), medical services, and nursing home care under subsection (a)(2)(F) for any illness.”

The PACT Act, 117th Congress (2021-2022)

What Contingency or Combat Operations are Included?

The Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT Act) is an important legislation that aims to assist Army veterans exposed to harmful toxins during service. This act specifically addresses the issue of burn pit smoke and other military toxic exposure hazards. It is crucial to understand the scope of the PACT ACT and the operations it covers. The act includes contingency and combat operations that veterans were involved in, ensuring they can seek compensation for the health issues they may have developed due to their service.

Contingency and Combat Operations include (House of Representatives, 2022):

  • Operation Enduring Freedom
  • Operation Freedom’s Sentinel
  • Operation Iraqi Freedom
  • Operation New Dawn
  • Operation Inherent Resolve
The PACT Act Compensates Veterans with Burn Pit or Toxin Exposure

How Does the PACT Act Help Army Veterans?

The PACT Act assists Army veterans by simplifying the process of submitting disability claims related to health issues arising from military toxic exposure. Veterans can now seek compensation for medical conditions resulting from their service, including illnesses caused by burn pit smoke. This act ensures veterans receive the support they need through financial assistance and medical care.

An expert from a White House Press Release on the PACT Act (White House Press Room, 2022):

The legislation removes the need for certain veterans and their survivors to prove service connection if diagnosed with one of 23 specific conditions. This bill dramatically reduces the paperwork and need for exams that veterans diagnosed with one of these conditions must complete before being granted access to health care and disability compensation, thereby speeding up their receipt of the benefits they have earned. This list includes 11 respiratory-related conditions and several forms of cancer, including reproductive cancers, melanoma, pancreatic cancer, kidney cancer, and brain cancers such as glioblastoma. Survivors of veterans who died due to one of these conditions may also be eligible for benefits.

From the Veterans Affairs website:

The PACT Act will bring these changes (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2022):

  • Expands and extends eligibility for VA health care for Veterans with toxic exposures and Veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11 eras
  • Adds 20+ more presumptive conditions for burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic exposures
  • Adds more presumptive-exposure locations for Agent Orange and radiation
  • Requires VA to provide a toxic exposure screening to every Veteran enrolled in VA health care
  • It helps us improve research, staff education, and treatment related to toxic exposures

What Does the PACT Act Offer in Terms of Disability Claims?

Under the PACT Act, veterans with serious illnesses due to toxic exposure can submit disability claims. VA evaluates these to determine how the condition connects to the Veteran’s military service. Once approved, veterans may be eligible for up to a year of back payments, allowing them to receive compensation for the period during which they were affected by their condition.

What Is A Presumptive Condition for Toxic Exposure?

Having a presumptive condition for toxic exposure means that veterans exposed to harmful toxins during their service in the military are automatically eligible for disability claims. The Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT Act), which aims to support Army veterans who may have contracted severe illnesses from burn pit smoke and other military toxic exposure hazards, adds a list of conditions. Under this act, veterans can submit their claims and potentially receive up to a year of back payments, which can sometimes amount to more than $50,000. This financial assistance can be a significant windfall for veterans suffering from the effects of toxic exposure and may require additional medical treatments or support. The PACT Act is crucial in ensuring that veterans receive the necessary compensation and care for their service-related health conditions.

For a Gulf War or 9/11 Veteran, the following are considered presumptive by the VA:

  • Asthma diagnosed after service
  • Brain cancer
  • Head cancer of any type
  • Interstitial lung disease (ILD)
  • Kidney cancer
  • Lymphoma of any type
  • Melanoma
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Pulmonary fibrosis
  • Respiratory (breathing-related) cancer of any type

You can find the VA’s published list of cancers and illnesses here.

How Much Compensation Can Veterans Receive Through the PACT Act?

The compensation veterans can receive through the PACT Act varies depending on the severity of their medical condition and the duration of their disability. In some cases, veterans may receive windfalls exceeding $50,000, providing substantial financial support to help them cope with the challenges posed by their illness.

How Can Veterans Benefit from the PACT Act’s Back Payments?

Providing up to a year of back payments under the PACT Act significantly benefits veterans. These back payments ensure that veterans receive the compensation they deserve for the period they were affected by their illness but may not have received any financial assistance. This financial support can help veterans cover medical expenses, improve their quality of life, and alleviate any financial burdens they may face.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim Under the PACT Act?

Under the PACT Act, Army veterans who have suffered from severe illnesses due to exposure to burn pit smoke and other toxic hazards during their military service can now find solace in the form of disability claims. This act allows them to submit compensation claims and potentially receive up to a year’s back payments. In some instances, this windfall could amount to more than $50,000. For those wondering about the timeframe for filing a claim under the PACT Act, it is crucial to understand that the bill mentions no specific deadline. However, veterans should file their claims as soon as possible to ensure they receive the compensation they deserve. By filing early, veterans can expedite the process and minimize any potential delays that could arise. Therefore, it is vital for Army veterans who believe they may be eligible for compensation under the PACT Act to file their claims promptly to secure the financial support they need.

Conclusion

The PACT Act is crucial in supporting Army veterans with serious health issues due to toxin exposure during military service. By simplifying the process of submitting disability claims and offering up to a year of back payments, this legislation provides much-needed financial assistance to veterans. It is an essential step towards acknowledging the sacrifices of our veterans and ensuring they receive the support they need to address their health concerns.

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