The VA has issued an update on the implementation of the PACT Act signed into law last August.
On April 26, the VA announced that over 500,000 toxic exposure-related claims have been filed since the PACT Act was signed last August.
Provisions in the PACT Act create a presumptive basis that military service is the cause of dozens of medical conditions, therefore ensuring free VA health care for affected Veterans.
Since the bill was signed, more than $1 billion in benefits has been awarded to Veterans and survivors of Veterans who passed before they could receive life-saving medical care.
Additionally, over three million Veterans have undergone toxic exposure screenings with as many as “42 percent reporting a concern for exposure.” Per the PACT Act, Veterans are entitled to a free initial screening as well as at least one additional screening once every five years. The screenings are designed to encourage Veterans to file a benefits claim.
The VA is encouraging eligible Veterans who have not yet filed a claim to do so by August 10, 2023, the deadline to receive benefits backdated through August 10, 2022.
Commenting on the announcement, VA Secretary Denis McDonough said, “we’re proud that 500,000-plus Veterans and survivors have applied for their hard-earned benefits to date, but we won’t rest until every Veteran and every survivor gets the VA health care and benefits they deserve.”
The VA also notes that it’s “delivering health care and benefits at record rates partly due to a dramatic increase in hiring.” Over 29,000 health care and administrative workers have joined the department since the beginning of the fiscal year.
However, in recent weeks, the VA and House Democrats have expressed concerns that a GOP-backed budget proposal will hamper the VA’s abilities to deliver benefits and process claims. House Republicans have denounced these claims, and neither side has produced clear evidence.
The California Legionnaire will continue to monitor the budget proposal, which has thus failed to gain traction in the Senate, and if there are any implications for PACT Act benefits.
Author: Christian Southards
Coming from a family with a proud military background and wanting to contribute his writing skills to a worthy cause, Christian began writing for the California American Legion in August of 2020. His father is a 25-year Army Veteran and his grandfather served in the Navy during Vietnam.
