The PACT Act is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. The PACT Act adds to the list of health conditions that we assume (or “presume”) are caused by exposure to these substances. This law helps us provide generations of Veterans—and their survivors—with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve.
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 brings these changes:
- Expands and extends eligibility for VA health care for Veterans with toxic exposures and Veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11 eras.
- Adds 20+ more presumptive conditions for burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic exposures.
- Adds more presumptive-exposure locations for Agent Orange and radiation.
- Requires VA to provide a toxic exposure screening to every Veteran enrolled in VA health care.
- Helps us improve research, staff education, and treatment related to toxic exposures.
Agent Orange Exposure
- Help Line: 1-800-749-8387 | Email: GW/AOHelpline@vba.va.gov
- Website publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange
- Veterans exposed to Agent Orange during service may qualify for:
- Disability compensation for conditions like certain cancers, Type 2 Diabetes, and more.
- Health exams and healthcare services
- Benefits for dependents and survivors