Search results
- The PACT Act is a law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. This law helps us provide generations of Veterans—and their survivors —with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve.
www.va.gov › resources › the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits
People also ask
What is the pact Act?
How does the pact Act affect VA health care eligibility?
Can a veteran apply for pact Act benefits?
What is the pact Act 101?
Sep 25, 2020 · The PACT Act is a law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. This law helps us provide generations of Veterans—and their survivors —with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve.
- Your Intent To File a VA Claim
An intent to file sets a potential start date (or effective...
- File For Disability Benefits
The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites...
- Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals and Materials
As many as 60,000 Veterans volunteered for medical research...
- Supplemental Claims
The PACT Act law adds more than 20 presumptive conditions...
- Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Health Issues
Section 804 of the Honoring our Promise to Address...
- PACT Act Overview
1 What is the PACT Act? Vietnam Gulf War Era Post-9/11...
- Your Intent To File a VA Claim
Aug 11, 2023 · Even those veterans who already receive the maximum monthly disability benefit should file a PACT Act claim if they think they have a condition that's newly covered under the PACT Act,...
- Overview
- What is the PACT Act?
- What changes does the PACT Act bring?
- How do you submit a claim for PACT-related benefits?
- What if the VA denied my claim, but now it’s covered under PACT?
- Is there a deadline?
- The bottom line
Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and toxins during service may now be eligible for more coverage
The PACT Act is a new law that gives Veterans healthcare coverage for conditions stemming from exposure to toxins during military service.
The PACT Act is the biggest expansion of VA healthcare and benefits in decades. In 2022, this federal legislation expanded VA healthcare and benefits to millions of Veterans exposed to toxins during their military service.
The PACT Act adds more than 20 “presumptive conditions” from burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxic exposures, which, if you meet the requirements for service, the VA will now automatically assume (or presume) were the cause of your condition. The act also adds more presumptive-exposure locations for Agent Orange and radiation.
Expansion of eligibility
Did you serve in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, or during the post-9/11 era? If so, you might now qualify for expanded or extended coverage. Additionally, many post-9/11 combat Veterans may be eligible for coverage. If you fall into this cohort, the VA encourages you to apply for coverage regardless of your separation date. Find out whether you’re eligible.
Presumptive conditions
The PACT Act covers certain types of toxic exposure conditions that are presumed to have come from your military service. You don’t have to prove they did. Most disabilities require you to prove that your disability originated from your military service for you to receive coverage. But with presumptive conditions, you only need to meet the service requirements related to the condition. Read the full list of presumptive conditions added by the PACT Act.
Covered conditions
Through the PACT Act, many conditions have become presumptive, including many different kinds of cancer and lung and airway conditions. A few common conditions addressed in the PACT Act are: •high blood pressure (a new presumed condition for Agent Orange exposure) •nose irritation and inflammation •sinus inflammation and infections •bronchial asthma
Your first step is to submit an “intent to file” form to indicate that you intend to file a claim or supplemental claim for for disability compensation, pension benefits and/or dependency, and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits.
The “intent to file” form sets the potential start date or effective date for benefits. This is important for the consideration of retroactive benefits.
To submit this form, download VA form 21-0966 (PDF) and mail the completed form to: Department of Veterans Affairs, Claims Intake Center, PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI, 53547.
Then you can visit the Department of Veterans Affairs website to file a claim and apply for benefits.
The process for filing a disability claim for PACT Act-related conditions is the same as you’d follow to file other disability claims:
•Find out whether you’re eligible.
If you already made a claim for coverage before PACT, but it was denied or coverage for the toxic exposure was omitted, you can submit a supplemental claim to receive your new coverage.
To file a supplemental claim, you’ll need to meet a few requirements, including:
•The VA decided on your claim in the past, and it was not “contested.” This means you did not challenge the VA decision to deny a previous claim for toxic exposure health care, or benefits related to conditions.
•You’re requesting a review of your claim based on the PACT Act — that is, you believe you were exposed to toxic or hazardous conditions during service.
You can make a supplemental claim online, in person, by phone with the VA, or through a Veterans Service Organization (VSO).
Learn more about how to file a supplemental claim with the VA.
The retroactive filing period has concluded, meaning you can no longer receive coverage for time before you submitted your claim, but you are still able to apply for coverage going forward.
There’s no deadline to apply for PACT benefits but, once you submit an intent to file form, you have one year to complete and file the claim.
If you’re a Veteran who experienced exposure to burn pits, Agent Orange, and toxins, consider applying for the new health benefits available to you.
You can file a VA claim now to apply for PACT Act-related benefits, including critical care and support for families of survivors.
- Stephanie Orford
The PACT Act is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. This law helps us provide generations of Veterans—and their survivors— with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve.
May 21, 2024 · May 21, 2024. FACT SHEET: President Biden to Announce 1 Million PACT Act Claims Approved, Benefits Delivered to Veterans in all 50 States and U.S. Territories. Briefing Room. Statements and...
Aug 10, 2022 · To ensure veterans can receive high-quality health care screenings and services related to potential toxic exposures, the PACT Act expands access to VA health care services for veterans...
