Sgt. Robert B. Brown watches over the civilian Fire Fighters at the burn pit on Camp Fallujah, Iraq, 2007. (Photo: Cpl. Samuel D. Corum)

The Department of Veterans Affairs is actively working to screen all Veterans enrolled in VA health care for potential toxic exposure, a mandate set forth by the PACT Act signed into law in 2022. The screenings involve both initial and follow-up assessments for every Veteran in VA health care at least once every five years.

Five million Veterans have already screened since the enactment of the PACT Act. Of those screened, 2.1 million self-reported experiencing at least one potential exposure. Screenings, launched at VA medical centers and clinics, address various toxic exposures, with the most commonly reported being Agent Orange and burn pits, prevalent issues from the Vietnam War and the Iraq War.

Screenings for unenrolled Veterans are also possible. Those who are not enrolled but meet eligibility requirements have the chance to enroll in VA health care and undergo the necessary screenings. The goal is to ensure that all Veterans receive these screenings to identify potential toxic exposure.

The PACT Act holds particular significance for Veterans who struggled to establish a link between chronic conditions and their military service. This law adopts a “presumptive” approach, relieving Veterans of the burden of proof by linking certain illnesses, such as asthma and some cancers, to exposures like burn pits.

During screenings, Veterans are asked specific questions about potential toxic exposure they may have encountered during their military service. Affirmative responses lead to follow-up inquiries and connections to information on benefits, clinical resources, and registry-related medical exams. All responses are documented in Veterans’ VA medical records.

The screenings, which take five to 10 minutes, identify potential exposures and connect Veterans with necessary resources. All enrolled Veterans are encouraged to undergo these screenings at least once every five years. Common conditions covered in the toxic exposure screening include: war-related exposure, open burn pit exposure, airborne hazards exposure, Gulf War-related exposure, Gulf War Illness, Agent Orange exposure, radiation exposure, and Camp Lejeune contaminated water exposure.

Veterans not yet enrolled in VA health care are urged to apply online for physical and mental health care, checkups, surgeries, home health care, prescriptions, and medical equipment. The PACT Act further expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances, with additional details available for those interested in filing for disability compensation under the act.

Author: Rikki Almanza

Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.