As part of the recent increase in staff hiring in all relevant areas, President Joe Biden signed the PACT Act in August 2022, mandating the expansion of veterans' health care benefits.
(Credit: Reuters)
New VA Benefits 2024: A soldier’s job carries many risks, even during peacetime. One such risk is exposure to toxic substances that can cause serious health problems. For this reason, the Department of Veterans Affairs has provided a new health benefit to all members of the military.
As part of the recent increase in staff hiring in all relevant areas, President Joe Biden signed the PACT Act in August 2022, mandating the expansion of veterans’ health care benefits. The expansion was due to be implemented gradually by 2032, however it was accelerated by the recent increase in staff hiring in all relevant areas.
According to VA estimates, millions of veterans will be able to take advantage of the PACT Act as of March 5.
Top 10 Most Livable Cities in India 2024: Rankings and Details Revealed
This program will benefit all veterans who served in Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, Iraq, and Afghanistan wars, as well as veterans who never served in combat but participated in a toxic exposure risk activity (TERA).
The TERAs include exposure to toxic substances such as pesticides, herbicides, contaminated water, depleted uranium from embedded shrapnel, and occupational hazards, such as lead, industrial solvents, toxic paints, asbestos, and firefighting foam.
Aside from air pollutants from burn pits, particulate matter, sulfur or oil well fires, it also covers radiation exposure, including handling, maintaining, or detonating nuclear weapons. Chemical or biological weapons and nerve agents are also included.
Various Finance Job Opportunities: A Comprehensive Guide
The VA will use veteran’s service records to ascertain who took part in a TERA. No application is required and no service-related disability is required to qualify.
Toxic exposure testing will be available through a primary physician, who will refer the patient to a specialist as necessary.
At a news conference, VA Under Secretary for Health Dr. Shereef Elnahal announced that veterans undergoing treatment as a result of participating in a TERA will not be required to pay copayments for these appointments.
Millions of Americans will soon receive a $400 stimulus check automatically. No application or paperwork…
Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist, is running for New York City mayor with plans…
Alaska residents waiting for their $1,702 stimulus payment won’t have to wait long. The next…
Choosing when to start Social Security at 62, 67, or 70 can change how much…
High-yield savings accounts are still giving better interest than regular ones in 2025. Experts say…
If your debt is more than half of your yearly income and keeps growing, it…