On August 10th, 2022, President Biden signed the PACT Act into law. The PACT Act is a new law that expands benefits for veterans who were exposed to toxic materials, burn pits and Agent Orange.
One year after signing the PACT Act, Biden gave a speech to political leaders, veterans and members of military service organizations. During the speech, Biden touted the passing of the PACT Act.
"The PACT Act is one of the most significant laws ever signed to help veterans exposed to toxic materials," Biden stated. "We have many obligations as a nation. We only have one truly sacred obligation, and that's to equip those we send into harm's way and care for them and their families when they come home — and when they don't."
The Pact Act is the most significant expansion of veterans' benefits and health care in over 30 years.
According to NBC News:
The legislation increases veterans' access to medical care and disability payments for exposure to burn pits. It also requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to presume some respiratory illnesses and cancers were related to the exposure, meaning veterans don't have to prove they got sick because of the burn pits in order to receive compensation for their illnesses. Roughly 70% of disability claims related to burn pit exposure are denied by the VA due to lack of evidence, scientific data and information from the Department of Defense, according to The Associated Press.
If you think that you or a loved one may be eligible for PACT Act-related benefits you can get more information about filing a claim here.