Tag: PACT Act

Camp Lejeune Vets 20% More Likely to Develop Cancer

A recently released study found that veterans and their families who stayed at Camp Lejeune between 1972 and 1985 are about 20% more likely than the average member of the population to develop numerous types of cancer. This study confirms what has already long been suspected: that people stationed at Camp Lejeune were harmed by exposure to carcinogenic toxins found in their groundwater. This study may help many veterans gain access to benefits who may have struggled before, even with legislation like the PACT Act now in place.

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1.3 Million Veterans Seek Disability Benefits For Toxic Exposure

The Department of Veterans Affairs (also known as the VA) has reported that approximately 1.5 million veterans have sought disability benefits due to medical conditions related to toxic exposure. These applications came after the passage of the PACT Act, which was created to assist veterans with getting benefits for disabilities related to toxic exposure they may have experienced during their service. It is a positive sign that the VA’s outreach efforts have been effective, but there is still more work to be done.

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Five Million Veterans Screened For Toxic Exposure

The Department of Veterans Affairs (also known as the VA) announced it has screened five million veterans for potential toxic exposure during their military service. This process is the first step to assessing if a veteran may be suffering from medical conditions related to dangerous chemicals they may have come into contact with during their service. Those found to have been exposed during these screenings, and who suffer from certain medical conditions, may be eligible for disability benefits.

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80% of PACT Act Claims Approved, But Issues Remain

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (also known as the VA), around 80% of all claims under the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022 were approved. This means that veterans who filed under the Act were able to get approved for veterans disability benefits. However, there are still issues, as 1 in 3 PACT Act claims resulted in a 0% disability rating, prompting a review from the VA.

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More than 300 Presumptive Conditions Added Under the PACT Act

Under the PACT Act, more than 300 medical issues have been added to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA’s) list of presumptive conditions. This has helped to dramatically increase the number of veterans who are able to access disability benefits through the VA, particularly veterans suffering from burn pit exposure. Veterans who want to take full advantage of the PACT Act should submit their claims as soon as possible to maximize their chances at getting the benefits they deserve.

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Five Things You Need to Know About Burn Pit Exposure

Over the course of many veterans’ times in the United States military, they may have been exposed to the toxic smoke from burn pits. These pits are often used by the military to dispose of just about everything, from regular garbage to discarded munitions and everything in between. Here are five things you need to know about burn pit exposure if you are a veteran:

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More Than 500,000 Claims Filed Under PACT Act

The Department of Veterans Affairs (also known as the VA) has announced that more than 500,000 veterans and survivors have filed claims under the PACT Act. This law, which was signed into law in August 2022, was intended to help veterans suffering from illnesses related to toxic exposure. It has also helped more than three million veterans get screenings for toxic exposure, helping them to learn if they may need to file for benefits.

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VA Begins Processing of PACT Act Claims

The Department of Veterans Affairs (also known as the VA) has begun processing PACT Act claims, beginning with terminally ill veterans. This Act, which was passed on August 10, helps to expand accessibility of VA benefits for veterans affected by burn pits, Agent Orange, and other forms of toxic exposure. As a result, many veterans, including those with terminal illnesses, will be able to receive VA disability benefits they may have been previously denied.

 

What is the PACT Act?

 

The “Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022,” also known simply as the PACT Act for short, is a law that was passed earlier this year to help veterans suffering from the effects of toxic exposure they experienced during their military service. Typically, this involves people who were exposed to burn pits, large open pits where the military burns its garbage, which are known to give off toxic fumes. It also includes those exposed to toxic chemicals like Agent Orange, which is a chemical defoliant used during the Vietnam War that can cause cancer and other serious health problems.

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Congress Passes PACT Act for Veterans Exposed to Burn Pits

On August 2, Congress passed the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, which seeks to address the issue of veterans exposed to burn pits while serving in the military. This bill helps those who, until now, may have struggled to obtain disability benefits or healthcare due to the poorly understood nature of toxic exposure to burn pits. It is expected that around five million veterans will benefit from this new law.

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