HAZARDOUS AND TOXIC MATERIALS PACT ACT EXPANSION STARTS MARCH 5, 2024


By bblouin
Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks, Veterans Affairs Deputy Secretary, Donald Remy, and Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Gilbert R. Cisneros Jr. visit the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act and hazardous and toxic materials at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., March 22, 2023. (

The PACT Act is getting an expansion ahead of schedule. Because of the increase in personnel working with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Vets with exposure to hazardous and toxic materials while serving will be able to file beginning March 5, 2024. Here are the details involving hazardous materials that Veterans need to know. Suggested read: Your 2024 Government Shutdown Military Pay Questions Answered

Veterans Exposed to Hazardous and Toxic Materials Can File With the PACT Act Extension

Are you a Veteran falling under the category of exposure to toxic substances during U.S. military service? If so, you can begin filing with the PACT Act expansion. This initiative is for those who came in contact with hazardous and toxic materials since the Vietnam War. Opening the door for millions of Vets, the VA is providing services and benefits beginning March 5, 2024, because while always the plan, the possibility has become available sooner due to more support personnel. Experience in hazardous materials for military members is common. Now, Vets will have access to VAA healthcare benefits and services to help combat the exposure to toxins. The expansion of benefits was originally occurring by 2032. However, the number of hires is expanding because of the incredible response to the PACT Act. Since it became law, over 100,000 Veterans have enrolled in VA healthcare with around 760,000 disability claims receiving approval. Veterans who have fought, and are dealing with toxins in conflicts, including Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, Iraq, and Afghanistan, are eligible. This includes active duty, training, or inactivity duty training. Hazardous materials from burn pits, chemicals (including pesticides and herbicides), depleted uranium from shrapnel, and even toxic pain, firefighting foam, and asbestos are among the reasons Vets can apply. Everything from ordinary occupational hazards to handling nuclear weapons and even exposure to biological or chemical weapons is on the table. However, even those without a service-connected disability may apply.

Enrollment for Veterans Without a Service-Connected Disability is Available

Some Veterans never deploy but may still have exposure to toxic materials. This is known as toxic exposure risk activity (TERA). The PACT Act expansion will look at service records and documents to determine eligibility based on TERA. Those enrolling for the first time will get a screening for hazardous and toxic materials by primary care physicians. Specialty care is available but will require a referral and will be only available when needed. Furthermore, they are evaluating Veterans for their placement in the VA’s healthcare system. The evaluation will also determine whether or not Vets should receive a referral to the Veterans Benefits Administration to receive more benefits. Determining where you fall in priority group placement will also affect requirements for copays. This includes both receiving healthcare treatment and prescription drugs. Related read: What Are the 23 Illnesses Covered Under the PACT Act?

VA Is Increasing Its Work Force to Accommodate Hazardous and Toxic Materials Claims

The increase in workers for the VA is making the hazardous and toxic materials expansion happen so quickly. However, it doesn’t seem that the organization is done quite yet. In the current fiscal year, the Veterans Health Administration is working to hire 52,000 employees and increase its capacity even further. This 3% workforce increase will help with new patients and can even improve wait times. If you were exposed to hazardous materials and believe you may be entitled to a claim, contact the VA. You can do so online at the VA’s PACT Act website or by calling 1-800-MYVA411. Read next: Retired Military Life Insurance: Planning for Life After Service


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