PACT Act Benefits for Veterans and Survivors

 

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.

 

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

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

 
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.

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.

Military Times Story Voices of PACT

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.

 
Military Times Story Airforce Cancer in Pilots and Crew

In mounting efforts to address toxic exposure, a Pentagon study reveals high rates of cancer among military pilots and, for the first time, shows ground crews are also getting sick. Phase two of the study will work to isolate causes.

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