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PACT Act Claims and Potential VA Benefits

 

What is the PACT Act?

This historic bill ensures 3.5 million veterans of multiple generations who were exposed to burn pits, toxins, and airborne hazards while deployed are provided immediate, lifelong access to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care and critical benefits, to include benefits and support for their families, caregivers, and survivors. As of August 2022, the VA estimates there are 382,000 potential survivors who may be eligible for PACT Act benefits.

VA PACT Act Resources

TAPS PACT Act Resources

 

Heart in Hands

3.5 million

veterans will have access to VA health care

American Flag icon

382,000+ survivors

may be eligible for benefits

 

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6 decades

of veterans who may be eligible for benefits

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20+ 

burn pit and toxic exposure presumptive conditions added

 

 

The PACT Act and Your VA Benefits

military boots, dog tags, helmet
 

Access VA Benefits

The PACT Act:

  • Expands and extends eligibility for VA health care for veterans with toxic exposures and veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11 eras
  • Adds 20-plus more presumptive conditions for burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic exposures
  • Adds more presumptive-exposure locations for Agent Orange and radiation
  • Requires the VA to provide a toxic exposure screening to every veteran enrolled in VA health care
  • Helps improve research, staff education, and treatment related to toxic exposures

If you are a veteran or survivor who might be eligible for PACT Act-related benefits, file claims and apply for benefits on the Department of Veterans Affairs website.

TAPS PACT Act Resources

 
man writing computerAssistance with Benefit Access

Let TAPS assist with PACT Act paperwork and claims, burial questions, benefit management, and records. We consult with experts on health care, financial hardships, and civil legal matters.

Men SurvivorsGrief and Bereavement Support

TAPS is a family for all those grieving the death of a military or veteran loved one, regardless of the relationship to the military member or veteran or the manner of death.

 
Survivor expressing grief Illness Loss Online Group

Join us the third Monday of each month to connect and talk with other survivors who have experienced the loss of a military or veteran loved one from illness, sudden or anticipated.

Related Articles and Videos

 
Candace Wheeler & Jon Stewart Apply for Backdated Benefits

Veterans exposed to toxins while serving and survivors whose military and veteran loved ones died of toxic-exposed illnesses may qualify for benefits under PACT Act. File your claims by August 14 to be eligible for backdated benefits.

Scripps News Jon Stewart Article Jon Stewart & Activists Speak Out

Jon Stewart and activists urge veterans to apply for exposure benefits. Veterans and the families of veterans who have contracted certain illnesses are eligible for benefits via the PACT Act, and the deadline is coming.

 
Military Times News - At right, U.S. Army Reservist Robert F. Wieners, Jr., at Camp Bondsteel Army Base in Ferizaj Kosovo in 2002. Surviving Spouse Receives Benefits

Thanks to TAPS, Kerrie is a PACT Act recipient. Kerrie’s late husband died in April of 2011 after developing lung cancer caused by prolonged exposure to burn pits while deployed. See also New York Times article.

Military Times Story Voices of PACT Act

The PACT Act opened the door to toxic exposure-connected benefits. This legislation is the result of the surviving voices who spoke out, the advocacy of TAPS and like-minded organizations, and the support of Congress.

 
Alice Daniel Meet Alice Daniel

Surviving Mother, Alice Daniel, shares her story of illness loss connected to toxic exposures. Alice's son, SSG William Austin Daniel, U.S. Army, was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease following burn pit exposure in Iraq.

PACT Act expands eligibility for survivor benefits How to Apply

Family members may be eligible to receive DIC, a monthly payment provided to the surviving spouse, dependent child or parent of a Veteran who died from a service-connected disability.

For more information on TAPS Military Survivor Advocacy or PACT Act benefits, contact us at policy@taps.org.

About the banner photo on this page: Danielle Robinson, widow of Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson and Brielle Robinson, surviving daughter of Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson, look on as President Joe Biden signs into law S. 3373, the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promises to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022 in the East Room of the White House on August 10, 2022 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Oliver Contreras/Sipa USA)(Sipa via AP Images)