The PACT Act is perhaps the largest health care and benefit expansion in VA history. The full name of the law is The Sergeant First Class (SFC) Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act.
The PACT Act will bring these changes:
If you’re a Veteran or survivor, you can file claims now to apply for PACT Act-related benefits.
What new Agent Orange presumptive conditions will VA add?
Based on the PACT Act, we’ve added 2 new Agent Orange presumptive conditions:
If you think you’re eligible for VA health care and benefits, we encourage you to apply now.
What new Agent Orange presumptive locations will VA add?
We’ve added these 5 new locations to the list of presumptive locations:
If you served on active duty in any of these locations, we’ll automatically assume (or “presume”) that you had exposure to Agent Orange.
What new radiation presumptive locations will VA add?
We’ve added these 3 new response efforts to the list of presumptive locations:
If you took part in any of these efforts, we’ll automatically assume (or “presume”) that you had exposure to radiation.
What burn pit and other toxic exposure conditions are now presumptive?
We’ve added more than 20 burn pit and other toxic exposure presumptive conditions based on the PACT Act. This change expands benefits for Gulf War era and post-9/11 Veterans.
These cancers are now presumptive:
These illnesses are now presumptive:
How do I know if I have a presumptive exposure to burn pits?
If you served in any of these locations and time periods, we’ve determined that you had exposure to burn pits or other toxins. We call this having a presumption of exposure.
On or after September 11, 2001, in any of these locations:
On or after August 2, 1990, in any of these locations:
Am I eligible for free VA health care as a post-9/11 combat Veteran?
We’re extending and expanding VA health care eligibility based on the PACT Act. We encourage you to apply, no matter your separation date. Your eligibility depends on your service history and other factors.
If you meet the requirements listed here, you can get free VA health care for any condition related to your service for up to 10 years from the date of your most recent discharge or separation. You can also enroll at any time during this period and get any care you need, but you may owe a copay for some care.
At least one of these must be true of your active-duty service:
And this must be true for you:
We encourage you to enroll now so we can provide any care you may need now or in the future. Enrollment is free.
What if I was discharged or released before October 1, 2013?
If you meet the requirements listed here, you can receive care and enroll during a special enrollment period between October 1, 2022, and October 1, 2023.
At least one of these must be true of your active-duty service:
And both of these must be true for you:
We encourage you to apply during this 1-year period so we can provide you with any care you may need now or in the future. Enrollment is free. And your care may be free as well.