Over 772,000 Toxic Exposure Claims Received by Department of Veterans Affairs, PACT Act Benefits Continue to Expand
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has received more than 772,000 claims from military personnel exposed to toxic substances during their service. This update was provided during a recent hearing held by the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, where agency officials discussed the progress made since the implementation of the VA Mission Act and the Providing Veterans Overdue Care Act of 2021 (PACT Act) in August 2022.
The PACT Act aims to extend health care services to veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during their time in the military. This includes veterans suffering from illnesses related to burn pits, which were used to dispose of chemicals and waste in Iraq and Afghanistan. Additionally, the PACT Act provides expanded services for veterans with conditions linked to Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam War and other toxic substances.
Prior to the PACT Act, the VA denied 70% of disability claims associated with burn pit exposure. However, thanks to the new benefits provided by the PACT Act, there has been a significant increase in the number of veterans pursuing their entitled benefits. According to Joshua Jacobs, the VA’s undersecretary for benefits, the department has processed approximately 425,000 claims, with an impressive approval rate of nearly 79%.
During the hearing, it was announced that the department would be conducting a review to examine the correlation between three different blood cancers and toxic exposure during deployments in the Middle East and southwest Asia. This review further emphasizes the VA’s commitment to addressing the health concerns of veterans who have faced toxic exposure.
In a recent analysis, it was reported that nearly 8,800 claims related to the PACT Act have been submitted by veterans from Arkansas alone since August 2022. Currently, around 100,000 Arkansas veterans are enrolled for VA health care services, including 2,500 new enrollees.
With the approaching deadlines for filing claims and submitting an intent to file, the VA has been focusing on outreach efforts to ensure veterans and their families are aware of the benefits available to them. However, concerns have been raised about reaching veterans residing in rural areas. Senator John Boozman of Arkansas expressed his apprehensions and questioned the department about its efforts in informing individuals and families about the PACT Act.
In response, Jacobs highlighted the department’s collaboration with local and state partners to identify opportunities for informing veterans about their benefits. He cited a recent trip to Caribou, Maine, where they learned that hosting outreach events in the communities where veterans reside, rather than at VA facilities, proved to be more effective.
To further raise awareness, the department has been conducting a satellite media tour with local television and radio stations, resulting in a substantial reach of approximately 8 million impressions.
Addressing concerns about rural outreach, Boozman emphasized the effectiveness of rural radio in reaching veterans residing in underserved areas.
Efforts to provide information and assistance to veterans have also included organizing events such as the PACT Act Summer VetFest, which will be hosted by the Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The event will feature additional activities and carnival fare for attendees.
Overall, the implementation of the PACT Act has allowed the VA to expand benefits and services to veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during their military service. The increasing number of claims being processed and approved reflects the VA’s commitment to supporting veterans and their families. With ongoing outreach efforts and events, the VA aims to ensure that every eligible veteran is aware of and receives the benefits they deserve.
Please note that certain deadlines and event details mentioned in the original article may have passed or changed since its publication. It is advisable to refer to official VA sources for the most up-to-date information.
