In a pivotal move to address the long-term health concerns stemming from toxic exposures among United States veterans, President Joe Biden signed into law in 2022 the landmark Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act into law. It marked the most comprehensive expansion of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care in more than three decades. The new coverage provisions are set to begin on March 5.
The PACT Act addresses the health issues related to toxic exposures that military personnel have encountered across various service eras, including the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the post-9/11 conflicts. It particularly focuses on the aftermath of exposure to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances, aiming to ensure affected veterans receive the comprehensive care and benefits they need.
Key features of the PACT Act include the addition of over 20 new presumptive conditions for burn pits and toxic exposure, significantly easing the process for veterans to access necessary care and benefits by eliminating the need for them to prove these conditions are service-connected. The Act also broadens the scope of benefits for veterans exposed to Agent Orange and radiation, recognizing the enduring health ramifications of these exposures.
To enhance the VA’s capacity to monitor and address health effects related to toxic exposures, the PACT Act mandates a toxic exposure screening for all veterans enrolled in VA health care. It further strengthens the collaboration between the Department of Defense (DOD) and the VA, particularly through the development and use of the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record (ILER), an innovative tool aimed at tracking and evaluating hazardous substance exposures.
This collaboration is also evident in the efforts to refine the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry, a secure database that gathers health information from service members and veterans to assist in researching conditions potentially linked to toxic exposures during military service.
The implementation of the PACT Act, particularly with the new coverage, underscores a significant evolution in acknowledging and addressing the health challenges veterans face due to their service. Seileen Mullen, Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, highlighted the DOD’s pride in supporting the Act’s implementation, emphasizing the critical importance of extending care and benefits to service members and veterans affected by toxic exposures.
Veterans and active duty service members seeking information about the PACT Act and its benefits can find resources through the VA at VA.gov/PACT, which provides detailed guidance on accessing the benefits. The full text of the PACT Act is also available for those interested in understanding the legislation’s full scope and objectives.