Saturday marked the two-year anniversary of the PACT Act, legislation signed by President Biden in 2022 that expands health coverage and resources for toxic-exposed veterans under the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The full name for the legislation is Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022.
Robinson was a decorated combat medic who died after developing a rare autoimmune mucous membrane disease and Stage 4 adenocarcinoma lung cancer.
His doctors insisted both diseases were the result of prolonged exposure to toxic substances. Robinson had been exposed to toxic burn pits in both Iraq and Kosovo.
Robinson led an effort to address deficiencies in the VA healthcare system before his death in 2020 at the age of 39.
Since the enactment of the PACT Act two years ago, more than 1 million PACT Act-related claims have been granted to veterans and survivors across the nation.
“In the two years since we passed the PACT Act, countless veterans have been screened for toxic exposure and enrolled in care – saving lives and saving veteran families money,” U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., said in a statement. “I’m proud to have passed one of the largest expansions of benefits for veterans in history, but I know our work isn’t done. I look forward to continuing to press ahead to make sure that more veterans have comprehensive benefits, convenient access to VA clinics, and superlative health care.”
“Our veterans have made immense sacrifices while serving to keep us safe. We owe it to them to ensure they have access to the benefits they’ve earned,” said U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va. “I am proud to have helped pass the PACT Act into law to help veterans exposed to toxic materials during their service get critical care. I will continue to advocate for servicemembers and veterans in my role as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.”
Impact
Screening veterans for toxic exposures: More than 5.4 million veterans have received free screenings for toxic exposures from the VA under the PACT Act.
Delivering benefits to veterans and their survivors: The VA has delivered more than $5.7 billion in earned PACT Act-related benefits to veterans and their survivors. The VA is delivering these benefits to veterans at the fastest rate in history.
Prioritizing veterans with cancer: The VA has delivered nearly $637 million in PACT Act benefits to veterans with cancer.
Spreading the word to veterans and their survivors: As of this past May, veterans and survivors have submitted 4.17 million total claims since the passage of the PACT Act.
Increasing VA’s capacity to serve veterans: Because of new PACT Act authorities, the VA has been able to expand its workforce in order to serve veterans as quickly and effectively as possible. In total, both the Veterans Health Administration and the Veterans Benefits administration have achieved their highest growth rates in 20 years.
Eliminating benefits delays for veterans: Instead of phasing in conditions over several years, all conditions in the PACT Act are presumptive for benefits as of Aug. 10, 2022, the day the bill was signed into law. This expedited the timeline for veterans to receive their earned care and benefits by several years.
Accelerating health care eligibility for veterans: Thanks to new PACT Act eligibility, more than 145,000 veterans have newly enrolled in VA Health Care since Aug. 10, 2022.
Are you a veteran?
Vvisit www.va.gov/PACT or go to your local VA hospital to see if you are eligible for PACT Act benefits and services.
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Chris Graham
