The PACT Act makes it easier for veterans to claim health care and benefits. It also expands studies on veteran mortality and streamlines the process for veterans exposed to toxic exposure at Camp Lejeune.
However, knowing how these changes will affect your situation can be confusing.
Presumption of Illness
Named for Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson and the other veterans who served with him, the PACT Act expands eligibility for VA health care, benefits, and compensation for conditions such as cancer. In addition, it establishes presumptive conditions for veterans exposed to toxic exposure while serving and makes it easier to service-connect these illnesses.
Previously, veterans diagnosed with these conditions had to prove their illness was related to service through paperwork and exams. With the new PACT Act, veterans with the required service dates and locations can qualify for health care and benefits if they pass a simple screening.
Expansion of Benefits
PACT ACT expands eligibility for health care and benefits to veterans suffering from toxic exposure in service. Two new presumptive conditions for Agent Orange are added: hypertension and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, which causes irregularities in antibody-producing cells. Veterans deployed to Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, the airspace above, and several other locations can be eligible for health care and disability compensation.
WWP and other advocates have been working to cut red tape for veterans seeking access to this critical benefit. You can learn more here about the PACT Act. As a result, the VA is processing PACT Act claims at the fastest rate in history and has added more veteran service representatives, rating Veterans service representatives, and legal administrative specialists to help serve survivors who apply.
Requirements for Service Connection
For veterans to receive benefits for their health conditions, they must meet two elements. First, they must prove their condition occurred during military service. This is known as a service connection.
Before the PACT Act, this was a challenging task. For example, a veteran with constrictive bronchiolitis could not easily connect their illness to their service in Iraq because they did not have the hard evidence, such as a battle injury or medical record, to prove the link.
Under the PACT Act, this is no longer an issue for veterans suffering from the 23 conditions listed in the law. But to get this benefit, a veteran must still file a claim for service connection. This process is complicated, especially for veterans who have never filed a VA claim. The Wounded Warriors Project’s team of trained veterans benefits advocates can help with this process. The team can also assist with appeals for claims denied by VA.
Survivor Benefits
More than 4.1 million veterans have received free screenings under the PACT Act, a critical step to catching and treating potentially life-threatening health conditions. VA continues to process PACT Act claims faster than ever – 16% more this fiscal year than last year’s record pace.
In addition, 3.5 million impacted veterans and their survivors now have immediate access to healthcare and benefits after the PACT Act became law. This includes treatment for the new presumptive conditions and care and support from their communities.
Before the PACT Act, some veterans had to wait years before their illnesses were eligible for VA compensation. This included those who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations where toxic exposures occurred worldwide. The PACT Act removes the need to wait, instead allowing veterans to enroll in service connection for their illness immediately and receive benefits more quickly. The law also makes surviving spouses and children of these veterans eligible for benefits.
