The passing of the PACT Act is a tremendous victory for VA health care and benefit expansion. Officially named The Sergeant First Class (SFC) Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, the law helps provide Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances receive the treatment and benefits they’ve earned. Some Veterans’ survivors can also receive compensation payments under the PACT Act. 

Burn pits are described as continuously burning fires on bases overseas that were used to consume the military’s trash and in return, produced toxic smoke. The Pact Act will ensure Veterans who were exposed to these toxic environments will receive health care screenings for an additional 20 presumptive conditions, including brain cancer, chronic bronchitis and many more illnesses. 

The law expands eligibility for VA health care for Veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11 eras. The PACT Act also improves research, staff education and treatment related to toxic exposures, and adds more presumptive-exposure locations for Agent Orange and radiation that qualify for PACT Act-related benefits. 

 To ensure you receive high-quality health care through the VA, to file a disability claim, or help with a denied DIC claim, contact the Summit County Veterans Service Commission at 330-643-2830 or stop by our office.