News & Resources
Understanding the PACT Act
What is the PACT Act? The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act) is a landmark law expanding health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to toxic substances during their service, including burn pits, Agent Orange, and other environmental hazards. This historic legislation recognizes the long-term health effects linked to these exposures and provides crucial support for millions of Veterans and their families.
- Expanded VA health care eligibility: Millions of Veterans from the Vietnam War, First Gulf War, and post-9/11 conflicts are now eligible for VA healthcare.
- Presumptive service connection: The Act adds over 20 presumptive conditions, meaning certain illnesses are presumed to be connected to toxic exposures, simplifying the benefits application process for veterans.
- Improved research and education: The PACT Act aims to improve research on the health effects of toxic exposure and strengthens Veterans Administration staff to better serve Veterans impacted by these issues.
Helpful Links and Resources
- VA’s Official PACT Act Page: Comprehensive overview, eligibility details, and application process.
- PACT Act Benefits Overview: Detailed information on the benefits available under the PACT Act.
- How to Apply for VA Healthcare: Step-by-step guide to applying for VA health care.
- VA Toxic Exposure Screening: Information on how to get screened for toxic exposure-related health conditions.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry (Opens in a new window)
VA established this free registry in 2014 to help better understand the potential health effects of exposure to airborne hazards during military service. By joining the registry, you can provide information via a health questionnaire that will help the VA provide better care to all Veterans. There is an optional health evaluation performed by a VA or military health provider after you complete the questionnaire. You are eligible to participate in this registry if you served in Operations Desert Storm/Desert Shield (ODS), New Dawn (OND), or Iraqi Freedom/Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF). To learn more about the registry, please visit the VA’s public health site. (Opens in a new window)
Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals and Materials (Opens in a new window)
Visit the VA website (Opens in a new window) to learn more about illnesses and other conditions that may be caused by contact with harmful chemicals or other hazardous materials while serving in the military.
Three Agent Orange Presumptive Conditions Added (Opens in a new window)
If you have an illness caused by exposure to Agent Orange during military service mainly during the Vietnam War, visit the VA website here (Opens in a new window) to find out if you are eligible for disability compensation and how to apply. To schedule an Agent Orange Registry exam nearest you, contact your local Environmental Health Coordinator (Opens in a new window) to set up an exam nearest to you.
Gulf War Registry Health Exam for Veterans (Opens in a new window)
Veterans who served in the Gulf during Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, or Operation New Dawn are eligible for the Gulf War Registry exam. You do not need to be enrolled in VA health care to take part. Please contact your local VA Environmental Health Coordinator (Opens in a new window) about getting a Gulf War Registry exam. Veterans who are eligible for the Gulf War Registry exam may also join the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry, which includes additional data related to airborne hazards.