PACT Act

PACT ACT

On August 8, 2022, the President signed into law the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act which significantly expanded Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits and services to those exposed to toxins while serving in the military. The law establishes a list of more than 20 specific conditions that the VA will presume to be caused by toxins and environmental hazards, such as burn pits. The PACT Act also expands the list of presumptive-exposure locations and conditions related to Agent Orange, an herbicide widely used during the Vietnam War. Lastly, the new law creates entitlement to VA healthcare services for qualifying veterans, and expands access to monetary benefits for surviving spouses and children of toxic-exposed veterans.

Beginning on Oct. 1, Post-9/11 Veterans who did not previously enroll in VA health care will have a 1-year window to enroll if they:

Served on active duty in a theater of combat operations during a period of war after the Persian Gulf War, or

Served in combat against a hostile force during a period of hostilities after Nov. 11, 1998, and

Were discharged or released from active service between Sept. 11, 2001, and Oct. 1, 2013.

Also on Oct. 1, the following groups of Veterans will be eligible for care:

Gulf War Veterans who served on active duty in a theater of combat operations during a period of war after the Persian Gulf War. This includes Veterans who, in connection with service during such period, received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Service Specific Expeditionary Medal, Combat Era Specific Expeditionary Medal, Campaign Specific Medal, or any other combat theater award established by federal statute or executive order.
Vietnam-era Veterans who served in the following locations and time periods: The Republic of Vietnam between Jan. 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975; Thailand at any U.S. or Royal Thai base between Jan. 9, 1962, and June 30, 1976; Laos between Dec. 1, 1965, and Sept. 30, 1969; Certain provinces in Cambodia between April 16, 1969, and April 30, 1969; Guam or American Samoa (or their territorial waters) between Jan. 9, 1962, and July 31, 1980; Johnston Atoll (or on a ship that called there) between Jan. 1, 1972, and Sept. 30, 1977.

Any veteran or survivor can learn more about the PACT Act by visiting the VA website at www.VA.gov/PACT or calling 1-800-MY-VA-411.

All veterans and survivors can apply for their benefits now. VA will begin processing PACT Act benefits for veterans and survivors on the earliest date possible, which is January 1st. Additionally, veterans can file a claim for PACT Act-related disability compensation or apply for VA health care now.

More Information can be found on the VFW Website -- Click on the Logo to visit the site.