Nicole Leger, a former U.S. Army medic, always thought of the burn pits at military bases in Afghanistan as harmless campfires. Little did she know that disposing of sensitive documents in those flames would have profound health effects. After returning home, Leger experienced worsening sinus problems and difficulty breathing at night. It wasn’t until President Joe Biden signed the PACT Act that her monthly disability payments expanded to accommodate the impact of the burn pits.
Leger is just one of the many veterans benefiting from the largest expansion of veterans assistance in decades. The PACT Act, which was signed into law last year, allows veterans to claim disability benefits for certain cancers and ailments presumed to be connected to exposure to burn pits or Agent Orange. As the first anniversary of the law approaches, the Department of Veterans Affairs is working tirelessly to enroll as many eligible veterans as possible. Those who file a claim or indicate their intent to do so by Wednesday may collect retroactive payments if their claims are approved.
Since the enactment of the PACT Act, nearly 786,000 disability claims have been submitted, with over 348,000 approved. Additionally, more than 111,000 veterans who are believed to have toxic exposure have enrolled in VA health care, and over 4.1 million veterans have completed toxic screenings to evaluate their potential exposure. Despite the progress, the VA is facing a backlog of around 266,000 claims, leading to delays in processing. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough acknowledges the challenges and is committed to improving the system to ensure that every veteran receives the benefits they are entitled to.
Despite the growing backlog, the VA has conducted extensive outreach efforts, including advertising campaigns and events across the country. Comedian Jon Stewart, a prominent advocate for the PACT Act, has also used social media to raise awareness. The efforts have paid off, with more veterans, like Eli Feret and Cole Lyle, deciding to file claims after seeing the impact of the law. The VA sees this increase in applications as a positive development that reflects veterans’ growing awareness of their entitlements.
The PACT Act almost didn’t come to fruition, facing unexpected delays in Congress. Advocates camped outside the Capitol, urging lawmakers to pass the legislation. Former Vice President Joe Biden, who has a personal connection to the issue through his late son’s service, provided support remotely. Eventually, Congress passed the bipartisan measure, making it a significant milestone for veterans’ benefits.
Secretary McDonough sees the PACT Act as a turning point for the VA, enabling the largest expansion of benefits and care in the history of the department. The legislation authorizes the VA to expand its facilities, provide higher bonuses and student loan assistance to employees, and offer additional incentives for recruitment, retention, and relocation. The VA has already hired thousands of healthcare workers and benefits processors, but the process still needs improvement to better serve veterans.
For veterans like Iona Bussiere, Marcellus Beasley, and Ailyn Colby, the PACT Act has provided much-needed relief. Bussiere, a breast cancer survivor, believes that earlier cancer screenings should have been provided but is grateful for the benefits. Beasley, who initially found the VA cumbersome, now sees improvements in services and the approval of his disability claim. Colby, a surviving family member, faced obstacles with the previous claims process but was finally approved under the PACT Act.
The PACT Act has made a significant impact on the lives of veterans and their families, bringing long-overdue recognition and support. As the nation marks the first anniversary of this important legislation, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing duty to care for those who have served.
Perspective:
The expanded benefits provided by the PACT Act are a step in the right direction towards acknowledging the sacrifices and hardships faced by veterans exposed to toxic substances. While there are still challenges to overcome, such as the processing backlog, it is encouraging to see the VA actively working to improve the system and reach out to more veterans in need. The stories of those who have already benefited from the law highlight its impact on their lives and the importance of ensuring that all eligible veterans receive the support they deserve. As a society, it is our duty to honor and care for those who have served our country, and the PACT Act is a positive stride in that direction.
