PACT Act Changes for Veterans

On August 10, 2022, the PACT Act was signed into law, expanding VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances.

Who does the PACT Act extend eligibility to?

• Veterans with toxic exposures
• Veterans of the Vietnam era
• Veterans of the Gulf War era
• Veterans of the post-9/11 era

How do I apply for VA benefits under the PACT Act?

• Veterans and survivors can file claims to apply for PACT Act-related benefits on the VA website or by calling 800-698-2411 (TTY: 711).
• To check your eligibility and apply for VA health care, click here or call 800-698-2411 (TTY: 711).

Be careful of predatory actors:

Recently, there has been an increase in for-profit companies seeking to assist veterans in filing benefits claims. Some of these companies use predatory practices and charge high fees to veterans using their services. Please use caution when considering using one of these services, and review these resources from the VA to learn more about how to find a trusted accredited attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Officer (VSO) who can help with filing a claim or appeal.

More information about the PACT Act, sourced from the Department of Veterans Affairs:

What are key PACT Act changes for veterans?

• Expands eligibility for VA health care for Veterans with toxic exposures and Veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11 eras
• Adds more than 20 new presumptive conditions for burn pits and other toxic exposures
• Adds more presumptive-exposure locations for Agent Orange and radiation
• Requires VA to provide a toxic exposure screening to every Veteran enrolled in VA health care

When does the PACT Act go into effect?

While some provisions take effect at different times, VA considers the presumptive conditions established in the PACT Act to be applicable on the date the PACT Act was signed into law (August 10, 2022). The VA encourages all veterans and survivors who believe they may be entitled to benefits to apply today.

What does it mean to have a presumptive condition for toxic exposure?

To get a VA disability rating, your disability must connect to your military service. For many health conditions, you need to prove that your service caused your condition. But for some conditions, VA automatically assume (or “presume”) that your service caused your conditions. VA calls these “presumptive conditions.” If you have a presumptive condition, you don’t need to prove that your service caused the condition. You only need to meet the service requirements for the presumption.

Additional resources from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

PACT Act VA health care eligibility categories and key dates

Understanding PACT Act health care eligibility and benefits

PACT Act information for Vietnam and Cold War era Veterans

PACT Act information for Gulf War and Post-9/11 era Veterans