New VA Disability Percentages: Known as the Sergeant First Class (SFC) Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, the PACT Act expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans who have been exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other hazardous chemicals.
By implementing it, Veterans and their survivors will receive care and benefits, recognition of their service, and health needs will be addressed. On March 5, 2024, the Act came into effect, accelerating the provision of VA health care to millions of veterans.
New VA Disability Percentages: PACT introduces several key changes to enhance support for affected Veterans:
Veterans with toxic exposures, including those from Vietnam, the Gulf War, and post-9/11, are now eligible for VA health care under the Act.
In addition, the Act introduces over 20 new presumptive conditions related to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic exposures. Consequently, the VA automatically assumes that certain health conditions resulted from military service, simplifying the process of obtaining disability ratings and benefits for veterans.
Every Veteran enrolled in VA health care is now required to undergo toxic exposure screenings, which aims to identify and address health issues resulting from exposure to hazardous substances as soon as possible.
Veterans and survivors need to understand the implications of the PACT Act. Those eligible for disability compensation or VA health care can apply immediately for benefits under the PACT Act. This Act expedites the delivery of benefits to deserving veterans and their families.
Veterans from these specific groups are covered by the Act
Veterans who served during the Gulf War era or after September 11, 2001, may be eligible for expanded eligibility and presumptive conditions related to burn pits and toxic exposures.
The Act also addresses concerns relevant to Vietnam Era Veterans, including the addition of presumptive conditions associated with Agent Orange exposure such as high blood pressure and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS).
Additionally, the Act addresses the diverse needs of affected Veterans by including additional presumptive locations for Agent Orange and radiation exposure.
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