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.
3.5 million
veterans will have access to VA health care
382,000+ survivors
may be eligible for benefits
6 decades
of veterans who may be eligible for benefits
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
Assistance 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.
Grief 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. Connect with us for care, hope, and healing.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.