The PACT Act has brought significant changes to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits for Veterans exposed to toxic substances, addressing health concerns related to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other hazards.
Recently, VA Transitional Executive Director for PACT Act, Steven Miska, spoke with Armed Forces Mutual Director of Partnership and Member Engagement, Sarah Roder, to provide insights on navigating these benefits, answer pressing questions from Veterans, and share practical advice on accessing VA services. Look below for Miska’s guidance and answers to FAQs that address the most common questions from the webinar.
For a comprehensive resource on eligibility, benefits, and more, you can also access the PACT Act Overview here.
During the webinar, Miska provided key guidance to Veterans about utilizing VA benefits, encouraging hesitant Veterans to apply, and taking proactive steps in the event of a denied claim or zero-percent rating:
You’re eligible to enroll now — without applying for disability benefits first — if you meet the basic service and discharge requirements and if any of the below are true for you:
Specific toxins and hazards include burn pits, sand and dust, particulates, oil well or sulfur fires, chemicals, radiation, warfare agents, depleted uranium, herbicides, and other occupational hazards. Find more military exposure categories on our Public Health website.
Even if none of these descriptions are true for you, you may still be eligible for VA Health Care based on your service. Check the full healthcare eligibility requirements.
Yes. VA provides low cost or no cost healthcare that is routinely rated a better quality than private sector alternatives. If their health changes, Veterans may be eligible for VA benefits as well. Veterans can explore eligibility and presumptive conditions here.
Each case is reviewed individually, and a service connection may still be established. Learn more about ischemic heart disease and Agent Orange here.
Although the Burn Pit Registry is mentioned in the PACT Act, it has already been active for many years and is used to identify and research health issues. Participation in the registry is optional and has no impact on, nor will it determine eligibility for VA Health Care and benefits. VA has automatically ingested 4.7 million Veterans into the registry. Veterans need take no action unless they wish to opt out. For more details, please visit the Burn Pit Registry information page.
Yes. If the condition appeared within 1 year of exposure to Agent Orange, you may be eligible for service connection on a presumptive basis. If the condition manifested after 1 year of Agent Orange exposure and you believe it is related to your military service, VA still encourages you to apply. VA may be able to grant your claim on a direct or secondary basis (when the neuropathy is caused by another service-connected condition). Find more information about filing claims for neuropathy and other conditions here.
If denied, you can appeal or seek support from an accredited claims representative like a Veteran Service Organization (VSO) to provide additional evidence. Call 1-800-MyVA411 for assistance or to find a VSO near you.
Encourage your family member to consider the benefits for themselves and their family. VA services are resources meant to support all Veterans, not just some. Learn more about eligibility and support here.
Treatment location should not impact eligibility if the condition is on the presumptive list. Consult with a VSO or call the VA to help ensure all records are correctly submitted. Learn more about VA survivor benefits here.
Yes, the PACT Act expands eligibility if the conditions are related to airborne hazards like burn pits or Agent Orange. You can file for new service-related conditions anytime. Visit VA.gov/PACT for details.
Generally, TERA is included in the PACT Act. Veterans with exposure concerns should consult with their provider. For help filing a claim, Veterans should consult with VA (the Veteran Benefits Administration has 56 regional offices) or a VSO.
The type of medical professional is dependent on the issue being evaluated. Examinations routinely performed by specialists include those involving hearing, vision, dental, and psychiatric disabilities. Additionally, when the claimed condition is unusually complex, a specialist may be asked to perform any required examinations and opinions.
Overseas Veterans may access VA services online or contact VA through 1-800-MyVA411 for assistance. The VA Foreign Medical Program and the VA medical center in Manila, Philippines, can also provide support.
Most coverage under the PACT Act relates to deployed burn pits; however, Veterans with other exposures may be eligible. Veterans should reach out to the VA or a VSO for guidance.
Check the VA’s events calendar for upcoming events and opportunities to connect with VA services.
As always, we are here to help you navigate these important benefits. For additional information, explore our PACT Act resources in the Resource Center or contact an Armed Forces Mutual Member Benefits representative by emailing memberbenefits@aafmaa.com or calling 703-707-1182.