Thanks to the PACT Act, millions of Veterans who were exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances are now eligible for VA health care and benefits.
While there is no deadline to apply for PACT Act-related benefits, there is urgency. Most Veterans and survivors who apply for benefits or submit an “Intent to File” by August 9, if granted, will have their benefits backdated to August 10th of last year – the day that President Biden signed the PACT Act into law.
To encourage Veterans to apply today, VA facilities is hosting a nationwide Summer VetFest in July. The VetFest will include more than 50 events across the country to inform Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors about the PACT Act. These events will be casual summer gatherings, featuring Veterans, their families, Veteran advocates, and the VA health care and benefits professionals who serve them.
Many of these events will also feature food and music, as well as VA staff who are ready to personally help Veterans apply or submit an intent to file, get screened for toxic exposures, or even apply to come work at VA.
For Veterans that cannot attend a local event, VA.gov/PACT is a one-stop shop to learn about and apply for PACT Act-related care and benefits. They can also apply by calling 1-800-MYVA411.
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VA has prepared this PACT Act Stakeholder Toolkit for you to use and share information about VA’s expansion of health care eligibility for Veterans.
Expansion eliminates phased-in approach called for by the PACT Act. Millions of Veterans exposed to toxins now eligible for VA health care without first applying for VA benefits.
Veterans have applied for benefits at record rates over the past year. As a result of your applications, VA has been able to deliver more earned benefits to more Veterans than ever before, including $150 billion during 2023 alone.
The Prime Minister of New Zealand alleges that shipment of Agent Orange was sent to the Philippines…I was station at Clark Air Force Base 1973-1974…The VA Onocogist has diagnosed me with leukemia CLL…which isn’t curable…A claim was filed and denied due too an official alleging that their wasn’t no contaminated water at Clark AFB Philippines…However I recently was granted 60% for glaucoma damage eye nerve and lost of peripheral vision..The evidence I submitted was about contaminated water documents from varies sources…I won the claim on my own…Also I lived on base my entire assignment at Clark AFB Philippines.. The Leukemia was supported by a C and P exam medical doctor who agreed with all the evidence presented too him…Apparently there’s a problem with some of VAs rater…We drinked bathed and cooked with the water on base…My question is how can you grant an eye claim exposed too contaminated water from bathing drinking and food was prepared with the water and deny a leukemia claim which is a blood cancer?
Dear VA I am a survivor spouse.i was filling DIC benefits since 2018 has been denied.last march 16 2023 I applied PACT ACT until now no response I wish I could get my claim granted.im living in the Philippines.
Will there be an event in or near middle Tennessee? If so when?
Too many veterans are not reading the new Law “Pact Act”. Registries have been on going for years and originally the veteran was supposed to call their local VA Environmental Health Coordinator after entering their information online for the Burn Pit Registry. Now VA offices of Environmental Health are calling the applicable veterans, due to they never called to schedule an appointment. (if they chose to have an exam on the registry) All other registries listed, the veteran contacts their local VA EH Coordinator. Claims are separate, as registries only monitor the data that helps the VA understand and respond to these health problems: more effectively.
Veteran’s do not register for the PACT ACT, and the deadline of 8/9/23 for claims is in reference for only certain types of claims. A veteran can file a claim without doing any of the registries. The latest presumptives, and all presumptives for Agent Orange and Gulf War are listed on the VA Website. Just a small amout of information to share.
I am a Vietnam era veteran and was stationed in Guam in 1972 – 1973. Worked on B-52 s, jet fuel fumes, agent orange and other chemicals. I am 100 o/o service connected, am a prostate cancer servivor and was told that since I’m 100 o/o I’m we’re not eligible for any additional funds. Tell me how the hell is that fair? They said my Wife would be companssted if I die but I don’t get any additional monetary compensation.
My dad was stationed in Guam at just about the same time ! We lived there for a year. He was on the proteus and never saw combat but because he caught the tail end of Viet Nam he does qualify I believe. According to the local VSO he does. Did you already get denied ? My dads name is Dale Howell.
This PACT ACT is really a great appreciation move that will help veterans. ..ailing, suffering and needing financial help.
Thanks to the PRESIDENT, CONGRESS, and the VA. Only, The VA should not hassle vets who really demonstrate the served.
Don’t be fool by the Pact Act of 2022, I call
National Call Center . They told me to refile my claim, well if I do my disability
That I have is going to be put on hold no thank. The Pact Act is one more way the
VA can control us. We all went to war got
Srew up and now more red tape. I’m not taking the bait . I’m happy with my rateing
Good luck guys.
I put in for care giver for my husband who served in Vietnam for three turn who still have a weak up at night thanking he is still in Nam streaming streaming in coming that just the some of the thing he do. But I was turn down. For caregiver.
This is my first visit to this site. WOW! I wonder if I can make a claim for depression as I certainly have the symptoms after reading so many Pact Act claim horror stories. I am a Viet Nam vet, in country 1968-1969. Total of seven years of service. I have had high blood pressure for 25 or more years. Filed intent September of 2022. Filed my claim January 20, 2023, after getting all the necessary docs to include a divorce decree that was required to verify that my wife received a divorce some 35 years ago.
My first communication since the January filing was an email from Veterans Evaluation Services on June 2. I was advised that the VA contracted with Veterans Evaluation Services to conduct my medical examination. After contacting VES, an appointment was set up for June 9. The VES had a nice office and a courteous staff. The first thing the examiner did was to take my blood pressure. BOOM! The examiner was shocked and took it a second time. For a third attempt, the examiner switched to a wrist cuff versus the arm cuff. The examiner ended the exam at that point and advised me to go to the closest emergency room or go home and take a special med that my doctor gave me if my pressure goes above 180. The examiner was worried about the 220 reading. Six weeks later and I do not know what is going on with my claim. VES did tell me that they would not be rescheduling me for a follow up and that they sent a report to the VA.
So, after reading so many comments, I guess that I just must sit back and wait. When I call the VA, I get the canned answer. When I check my VA update on the website, it does not even show that I saw VES. The website is not updated very often.
Communication with the VA is a disappointment. If I had taken this long to do my job when serving in the military, I would not have lasted seven years. I wish all my brothers and sisters who served a swift and rewarding final claims review.
I’m gave the USAF 26 years and retired in 1995, with 3 SEA tours from 1969 -75. I was exposed to DDT, Agent Orange , Fire Form , numerous toxic materials from our Cess Pool pits along with exposure to Electronic Micro Waves from our Electronic Counter Measure equipment. I am 80% Service Connected for Prostate cancer, back injury, head trauma and PTSD(anxiety).
It took many years for me to get this rating along with numerous obstacles by the VA and the QTC evaluators. Even the PACT evaluation took three attempts to get an appointment for my High Blood pressure ( that the VA found and stated that I needed to have a Pact evaluation for, I will mention that I also retired from the Veterans Administration after 17 years in the Medical Administration Field. The VA is broken with the lost of their own C&P Evaluators and contracting though QTC the problem is worsening. My PACT evaluation for High Blood Pressure took 5 minutes with no verbal communication between me and the evaluator about my blood pressure and how I develop it. In fact the evaluator only mention that I would not receive any compensation for my high blood pressure. I sat there wondering why was I even here for the exam. The only hands on done was by an administration staff member who took my BP and Pulse three times. All of which were high. I was disgusted and felt humiliated. My final words on this is for the VA to terminate any contract with QTC and have your own VA folks do the exams. If I ran my C-130E, AC 130 and B-52 Flight line like my exam went I would be ashamed to be part of QTC. Also never saw any back pay, been on BP meds going on two years.
I was stationed at Malmstrom AFB Mt from 1974 to 1977 and we would take our trash from the Missile Field to the open burning dump on the AFB when when we return from making repairs in the missile field. Was this pit included in the burn-pit list?
Can I get the pack act if I am 100 percent
Servi en fort ord. 1980-1984. Todo es tiempo tome agua contaminada y me bañe con agua contaminada.
Can I get pact act be if it’s if I am already 100 percent disabled
I WAS STAION IN 1/2 ACR (THE ROCK) BINDLACH, WEST GERMANY FROM 1984 TO 1987 WHEN CHERNOBIL WHEN OFF WE GOT WHERE DOWN RANGE FROM IT BUT WERE TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT THAT IT WAS JUST THE MAD COW DESEAS, IS THERE A FORM TO BE FILED FOR THE CHERNOBIL CONTAMINATION? RED CROSS WONT EVEN LET ME DONATE BLOOD AFTER THAT DATE. DOES ANY BODY NOWS IF THERE IS A FORM TO FILE A CLAIM?
I called the VA benefits department about the one-year retroactive Pact Act benefits and was told by both two seperate agents that my case only goes back to October 2022 when I first filed. I even read them the emails from the VA and they wouldn’t change their answer. The article clearly states that anyone who filed before August 9 2023, will receive back compensation to August 9, 2022?
i have been fighting for over 20 years for benefit’s i have a veteran advocate i have a hearing in august 8 2023 i was in the va. homeless program 25 years age it help me get to where i am today 19 year’s working for va. it save my live
Sorry — in my first posting comment I identified the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization as the DVA. This is a typo; therefore, I’m re-submitting my PACT Act as follows:
Okay the VA is just out of control and they are running a scam — when I requested help from the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization here is the response I received back from them:
“In reference to your request for status: Claims take approximately 4 to 8 months to process from the date filed, yours was filed 4/25/23. There is a large backlog due to all the claims when the law change. Please try to be patient, a lawyer cannot get the claim moved any faster. Your claim is under development being worked on the order received. When a law changes it causes a large influx of claims without the VA getting a larger staff to work them.”
First of all my claim was submitted on February 7, 2023 and because of all the additional documentation the VA requested for my claim they changed the submittal date to 4/25/23. I believe this is one of the many delaying tactics the VA has used to SLOW the process down.
Given that neither the Disabled American Veterans and/or the VA have been of any help with the review process and its timing I sent this PACK Act article onto CBS, NBC, ABC and Fox news with a stronger suggestion that they take the time to read the many comments the veterans have made regarding the VA actions to date. I would also strongly suggest that each veteran that has and/or will make a comment to the PACK Act also send their comments onto the news outlets.
Yes — over the years the VA has improved their overall medical support to the veteran; however, the administration arm of the VA has truly failed the veteran.
Submitted my paperwork 2months ago and no response
I have already filed a claim for Agent Orange but havnt heard back
I filed my Agent Orange exposure in January’23. I was told today that it has been completed and a letter is being prepared, so believe me it takes a while.
Okay the VA is just out of control and they are running a scam — when I requested help from the DVA here is the response I received back from them:
“In reference to your request for status: Claims take approximately 4 to 8 months to process from the date filed, yours was filed 4/25/23. There is a large backlog due to all the claims when the law change. Please try to be patient, a lawyer cannot get the claim moved any faster. Your claim is under development being worked on the order received. When a law changes it causes a large influx of claims without the VA getting a larger staff to work them.”
First of all my claim was submitted on February 7, 2023 and because of all the additional documentation the VA requested for my claim they changed the submittal date to 4/25/23. I believe this is one of the many stalling items the VA has used to SLOW the process down.
Given that neither the DAV and/or the VA has been of any help with the review process and its timing I sent this PACK Act article onto CBS, NBC, ABC and Fox news with a stronger suggestion that they take the time to read the many comments the veterans have made regarding the VA actions to date. I would also strongly suggest that each veteran that has and/or will make a comment to the PACK Act also send their comments onto the news outlets.
Yes — over the years the VA has improved their overall medical support to the veteran; however, the administration arm of the VA has truly failed the veteran.
When I joined I was a petroleum fuel specialist, (aircraft refueler). The jet fuel we used contaminated my liver. April 23, 2021 I had to have a liver transplant because my liver died. The military took claim for the contamination and I am 100% disabled. Would I eligible for this??
If it burns there’s a pit for it.
I have read some of these Stories. Yes, we get denied, but keep Fighting. Also get you an advocate, American Legion. D A V. And if you cant work, File for Unemployable.
Even if I want to file a claim you a–holes lost my medical record s
You don’t have copies of your own records? Take accountability instead of blaming others because you are definitely at fault there. If serving in the Armed Forces didn’t teach you anything else… they definitely taught you to make and keep copies of EVERYTHING!!!
I was sprayed with agent orange on three occasions in Vietnam and have high blood pressure. I submitted a claim under the PACT act and it was denied. No wonder. I am taking two blood pressure medications twice a day which have debilitating side effects but my measured pressure is lower under the medication. The VA sent me to an outside clinic to have my blood pressure measured but I had taken my meds that morning so, naturally my pressure was close to normal. I wasted half a day getting my pressure measured when the VA had their own readings. My claim was denied because the measurement at the outside clinic was not high enough. I think the PACT act is a joke.
I have been fighting stage 4 cancer and I serve in in the marines and was stationed in camp Lejeune north car
I am having a hard time getting my comment posted on this site…
I Voluntarily served in the US Army, serving 2 1/2 years in the Viet Nam War. I served with the 56th Transportation Company (Aircraft Direct Support) from October 1964 to April 1967. 30 months of boots on the ground in the war.
Our hangar was next to the US Air Force Ranch Hand hangar; they were the outfit that used their C-123’s to spray Agent Orange (AO) to kill back the jungle along the highways and waterways.
I have been under doctors care for hypertension since 1994. I have had a heart ablation to correct AFib. I have had to have a blockage removed from my carotid artery.
I filed for hypertension and heart disease caused by AO and have been denied. The VA wants me to somehow prove that I had high blood pressure numbers back in 1994. My doctor has since retired, and they are only required by federal law to keep records for ten years. There is no way I can prove that I had high blood pressure numbers back then without stopping my blood pressure meds, and I refuse to do that.
When I read the PACT Act, it says and I quote, “Requirements for Agent Orange presumptive diseases
We consider a condition presumptive when it’s established by law or regulation. If you’ve been diagnosed with one of these conditions, you don’t need to prove that it started during—or got worse because of—your military service.
But when I meet these requirements above, they have denied my claim.
Not fair of them to make these false statements. I am very disgusted with the VA and how they are handling this issue for our Veterans who served their Country. Shameful.
Too bad that our government doesn’t have to jump through hoops like these before they send their youngest and best off to war in some country around the world. Shameful…
Scott
I have had a claim for 14 years and still waiting to hear from Judge. My husband was an Honest John Nuclear Warhead Assembly Specialist in Germany during the Vietnam war. He was drafted by the Army, not voluntarily. Never able to have kids or natural functions and died of Brain Cancer at 54. He had to carry Nuclear bombs next to his body without any type of protection gear.
Humans are nothing but statistics fighting the games of the Elite’s.
Called DEPOPULATION.
Hi! I was a USAF Weapons Mechanic. I loaded nuclear weapons on fighters. I had to be up against the weapon and to sway it down against the bomb rack and install carts. The word was, that it did emit some radiation. I don’t know how much. Then, I cross-trained into the Space Systems field and worked on high power transmitters. I was diagnosed with Prostate cancer when I was 50 years old. That’s a very low age to get that particular cancer. Of course, the VA tells me I have to prove things. HOW! I had the clearance at the time but not the “need to know” stipulation. Any others in a similar situation?
I was stationed in Japan as I charge of a pol depot handling over 100.000 gallons of diesel and gas for over 15 months without PPE.
My time of service was 54to56
Robert keil
I filed fore Agent Orange but was denied?
If this is a True statement then why did I just receive 5 months back, Jan 9th filed on line Awarded compensation beginning Feb 2023 less the months at 10% until July???? if this is the case I SHOULD BE ENTITLED TO Sept. October, November and December and probably January less pay received for those months at 10%, as was my rating in 2022?
I filed for both SEA and Desert Shield/Storm , I don’t know what else to provide . My job in the USAF was an aircraft engine mechanic, I have to wear hearing aids and according to the VA I never worked around jet engines.
I have diabetes, had prostatic cancer, bladder cancer high blood pressure and a few other ailments that the VA wants more proof. Please I need to know what else I have to do to prove my situation . I’m 77 and not much more time to file , l probably don’t see anything but I’m trying to help my wife for when I’m gone . Thanks for listening!
I have filed a claim and not heard a word.
I had to go for radiation treatment at Walter Reed, which was more than a year.
The after affect wasn’t good.
This is disparaging. Sounds like the VA just wants to host another party. Like their National Conventions. They cannot fight for veterans needs but there’s always money to have a party. All the while, there are homeless, sick veterans and families that cannot make ends meet.
I tried to file for hypertension , but my BP 165 / 79 is low to qualify ?
will the retired vets get back the money they took out of there retired pay for disability as back pay or are we going to be cheated again. You want to know why you can’t get new recruits when you Chet all the past Vets we talk to the kids coming up we tell the truth the American Vets are the only military that cheats its Vets we hear this when we talk to Vets from other countries, they honer there vets by taking care of them not just lip service .
I have filed a claim and have been requested to provide information which the VA should have. My husband was a patient of the VA medical system for years. I don’t know what else to provide them that they don’t already have. He passed away in 2016 from complications of COPD.
That’s always the case, they ask for information that they already have..Stupid sht like a copy of your DD-214, when you wouldn’t even be able to be seen at the VA Hospitals if you didn’t provide a copy of to them already. ???
Wheat do l go for pacact?
it seems the VA does not listing to any thing we say. all we get is lip survives, when is someone going to actually do some thing about all this. Election year is cumming up and we all vote. Congers men, senators, Representatives, and president candidates take not of this . We need action now address this at the debates cumming up.
Wow. Simply reading all the other comments from other vets who have filed for PACT act benefits, and the slow walk towards getting an answer now seems to be something we should all understand to possibly be a scam by the VA at worst, but the fact that we can’t get answers on claim status, have no place to go for help regardless of outcome, seriously harms those of us with legitimate claims and damages the VA’s image to a point where a lot of us will just throw our arms up and give up the quest for support and answers. Shame on the entire organization for such poor claim management.
All PACT Act claims slate being denied…just “eye wash” to fool Congress & US taxpayers into thinking something’s being done for vets poisoned by our own government.
I have filed a claim and not heard a word.
Anybody know how long it takes?
Thank you
Weldon Goings
I filed at the end of February 2023 and had money in my account before the end of April. The total process took about seven weeks total – a HUGE improvement over my first pre-PACT Act claim which took just over one year. I have a cancer that is considered presumptive to be service connected under the PACT Act. All I had to do was provide my county service officer a copy of my diagnoses and my DD214 showing where I had deployed. I filed a non-PACT Act claim for an increase that same February day. I had a P&C exam and it was settled in my favor about another later that my cancer claim..
Where are you, who was your VSO, because we can’t get any help from a VSO here in Mississippi?
I have been fighting this for some time now. Please help
I submitted my entire health care history from my medical group site in March of 2023 and just received a letter from VA that they are waiting for medical history from my Doctor!!! I have my Quick Submit claim data receipt to prove the submittal. Now what??? This is my second submittal for high blood pressure. The last in 2015 said it was not service connected. I’m an Agent Orange claim recipient…
You can’t make this stuff up. I applied for high blood pressure under the PACT act. Actually got 10% disability. But, the records I submitted from my doctor showed I had high blood pressure “Prior to Aug 2022” PACT Act so they declined back payments. So, I guess “presumptive” means nothing? The VA is in the business of not serving Vets. Vietnam vet, 26 yrs of service, retired, and disgusted.
Finally, maybe i can get some help. I have filed two claims.
What about Diesel Fuel Exposure, I was a Fuel Handler , there are several Known Health Risks of being Exposed to Diesel Fuel.
I was the hazardous materials NCO for 1st/72nd south Korea w/o proper safety equipment or training duty appointment.
I operated a fuel tanker with mogas and diesel fuel and distributed lubricants for an additional duty as a 63B . During a command inspection I was pulled off this duty due to not having not been provided with proper PPE and possibly rick of over exposure to diesel fuel. We also used dry cleaning solvent to clean bearings and such and did not have PPE.
curious about this myself, along with other lubricants and dry cleaning solvent.
Stationed at Fort Clayton, Canal Zone from 1964-1966. Struggling with high blood pressure, parkinson, ptsd, neuropathy, ischemic heart disease and degenerative back problems. All of these issues from AO.
Can current disabled Vets apply to see about increased benefits for Desert Shield-Storm fires?
After applying for the PACT 8 I have waited almost 8 months and had to file many extra documents and I have no information on my claim. The process is time consuming and the VA process is just overwhelming. At my age I could be dead before anything comes of my claim. Yes I was exposed to toxic materials; but, the VA is just not responding.
That’s what the private business owner Denis Richard McDonough wants. He was appointed by Biden to treat veterans like a business. They want us to just die off.
There is a total disconnect between VA health care and VA disability, I have been in “the system for 49 years” rated @sixty% and can’t get sht. No dental, no help from mental health, it’s just a lost cause.
From what I’ve been told unless you’re dead or dying, forget anything
Is this in addition to VA benefits I already recieve
When you say eligible for 12 months backpay under this act, what about claims previously filed for and denied for the same conditions.?
How do I know if I qualify ?
Am already 100% disabled veteran compensation. Can I still get more compensation from PACT?
In addition to Agent Orange exposure, I was exposed to Burn Pits.
No, if your 100% that’s all your going to get pay for, they can give you. 200% but your only going to get pay for !00%.
Japan is not listed in the countries to qualify for PACT, however many CBRD used equipment were returned to US foreign bases such as in Misawa Japan during the war in Iraq. I was stationed there assigned to work in a large warehouse contaminated with toxic chemicals stacked up to be sorted and rearranged to relocated while the active duty staff were mobilized. As a Naval Reservist too was ordered by flight staff to work with no supervision to load CBRD equipment which would have had leaked toxicity into the air that caused my sickness which required medical attention in sick bay. I was diagnosed chronic fatigue, cough, bronchitis pneumonia. SARS epedemic was happening at the same time and place. I had lung issues for a very long time difficulty breathing problems , allergy reactions to the present day. Period of service War in IraqMay 2005. I was previously hospitalized in the service with collapsed lung from bronchial pneumonia in 2000 in private hospital.. it started from cold. I couldn’t take care of myself affected my health and welfare which forced me to retire early to live closer to home. I just wanted to know whether this is considered essential to qualify under PACT program. Thank you.
My husband has Parkinson’s, last stages per Dr. V. Evidente, community neurologist for Phx VA.
I applied several years ago, but the VA representative change my form to me bing single!! Changed my name to my late husband’s name! Then said I typed the form for you, but you have to file it, as it is fraudulent! I said use my married name, we will still meet requirements without lying! So in our total dismay, I did a second reverse mortgage on my home and put it in JTWRS, so my husband has a place to live if I die, I am 81, he is 76. He served Viam Nam period
The VA sends him nurses to do his meds, theVA sends speech and physical therapists, and walkers, electric chair etc. They have been a great help. The feel I am going down and so have applied for help to help husband bath, do our vacuuming and help with making bed, and other things we need done. We are still independent because of their help. But the cost of my drugs and health insurance wipes out 75% of my Social Security, so now our real income is at property level. We will not live a lot longer, I have Polymyalgia Rheumatic, heart issues and other things, but brain works??!
My question is how do I get my husband a benefit, the VA doctor, Dr. Burns signed the form 3 years ago that he should get a monthly check, but the VA Rep , in Mesa, was awful, rude and dishonest. Tricked me,trying to get me to file fraudulent VA forms, I still have what he typed up on his desk computer, he should be fired. My husband had brain surgery in 2019, VA coved, in August he gets a second battery for the equipment in his heat, out patient, and I am the caretaker, is getting difficult for us both, costs of food, drugs and electricity, water, Home Owners fees, we don’t go out at all, no vacation in years, just grateful to God to be able to stay in our home, mine for 35 years, his for 13 years. And, grateful to the VA for all you do for us, thank you all for your service and kindness shown by all the work the home are staffing does, it motivated my husband to never give up.
God bless you all.
Please email us the form we need to fill out.
For Charles Damato
By his wife, Peggy,his POA
and caretaker.
Thank you again ?
I am already 100 percent Perm and Total. Would I get any more for having Burn Pit. I was in Iraq in 2003.
No, thank God that you get that.
I was exposed to asbestos during my tour aboard USS Enterprise in the 70s. I was part of an asbestos rip-off team during the ship overhaul in Bremerton,Washington. And was placed on an asbestos watch program . Can I put a claim for this? I was in the Navy from 1968 to 1989.
Does this include Camp Lejeune Toxic Water?
i have been waiting 2 years on toxic water at lejeune haerd nothing
Where can I read what the pact act is, what it does, who is eligible, and what the law states?
My dad recently passed away from stomach cancer due to Agent Orange as per the VA doctors. He wasn’t allowed to apply for benefits though as they said it wasn’t a condition allowed under the PACT act. What a bunch of BS…
Diagnosed with a breathing disorder and receiving compensation based on asthma since 2007. I was around and through the burn pits and much worse 2004, 05, and 06.
Is this something that could increase my compensation rating? Thanks
This communication ignores the fact that a veteran can be entitled to up to 1 year of back pay even if he or she files a PACT Act claim at any time AfTER August 10, 2023. Per 38 CFR 3.114, if a veteran has a diagnosed disability covered by the PACT Act on August 10, 2022, and is granted presumptive service connection for that disability pursuant to the PACT Act, he or she is entitled to up to one year of retroactive benefits regardless of when the claim is filed.
It’s disingenuous for VA to give the impression that veterans must file by August 9, 2023 or else lose any opportunity for one year of additional back pay. If you’re going to tell a story, please tell the whole story.
Hello during the war conflicts while I didn’t rotate over to the Middle East , I was training at NTC where there about 4000 Soldiers there as well and was assigned to the Burn Pit , while telling the CSM ,that I worked in food service it didn’t matter was told to grad my protected mask and report the fumes we all smelled while burning feeces was terrible.
Am I able to put in for the pack act ?
I just wrote something in the comments section did you received it
Hello caver I was shot while on duty in my knee since then I’ve had knee surgery that really did not work out to well for me is there anyway that I can get support for that encounter. Yes I was on duty at that time in the military and I haven’t had any support so please I’ve been waiting for this to happen so that I can apply myself especially since I had to get my knee replaced and now my hip thank you and please get back to me Thank you. So much
My hubby currently is at 100 Percent disability through the VA ( Agent Orange) I do not know if the Pac Act would include him for further benefits. He was Damage Control aboard ship in Viet Nam. Besides Agent Orange he has breathing problems and he is totally aware it could very well have been the cause of the asbestos aboard ship. Just questioning and would appreciate a reply.
I am already rated at 100% disabled.
Question: what, if any, advantages are there for me to apply/file a claim for the PACT act?
Do I risk losing my current ratings by filing a claim for this?
I can’t write or spell in English or any other language. Is that why my claim keeps getting denied?
I was trained at Ft McClellan, Alabama. The post has been closed and remains uninhabitable. I trained there in the US Army Chemical Corp.
Does this include being in the Persian Gulf durn Desert Storm when the oil wells where burning. I was in the Navy for that time off the coast of Kuwait.
My close Friend of mine CW4 retired, fought for years with a claim for two Tours Vietnam for Sickness occured. He finally received the 39,000 Dollars and 100 % disabilities. He died at 85 the same year his claim was approved. Thanks VA
Does this apply to claims that have been approved after PACT ACT was approved? What about claims initially denied but sent back after higher level review discovered duty to assist errors?
How long does it normally take the board to grade for percentages, medical and compensation? All me doctor appointments have been met and completed. And the contracting doctor told me due to medical records that I’m a shoe in. That was 5 months ago….
Airmen in Aerial Port Squadrons in the Military Airlift Command (MAC) during the Vietnam Conflict unloaded cargo pallets from aircraft like C-141’s and C-130’s from places like Tan Sun Nut and Danang. When unloading the cargo pallets and breaking down (removing cargo from the pallets) there was red soil, lizards and other possible contaminants. These airmen were subject to exposure to these elements that were presumptive to residue of Agent Orange. Various boxes, containers and transfer cases containing the remains of Killed In Action, etc. were subject to being unloaded, handled and disbursed these from those aircraft pallets. Even though these airmen were not in Vietnam, I think VA should reconsider the PACT ACT in considering these hazardous cargo causing later in life issues like Prostate Cancer, etc.
I was on the USS Midway from 78-81. Dust clouds everywhere. A came up a ladder and walked through one of these. After I walked through, I turned to see a sign on the deck, “Danger Asbestos.”Worked at the VA for 15 yrs before receiving a disability retirement. I’m tired of dealing with them. 70% SC. They refuse to give me 100%.
Should I apply if I’m already a 100% P&T vet?
I applied for disability for my lungs from being around the howitzer delivering ammo and the diesel fuel in the stoves. I was denied and have a appeal turned in.
Submitted my claim, took awhile. I had gotten reproductive cancer which was on the list in the PACT Act. I had to have surgery to remove it. Once removed of course there are side affects, things aren’t the same, etc… I received a letter that I would be scheduled for an exam. I never was scheduled, and I received a letter stating that my claim was approved, but at zero percent. Good ole VA. Had to ask for a re-evaluation of my claim, they have it, but crickets. It’s been almost a year.
Is there going to be a PACT ACT event at the Albuquerque New Mexico VA Hospital?
What if a vet drank the camp lejune water. Are they eligible. Or if they drank the water and exposed to agent orange or a gulf burn pit. Would they really be eligible then.
In Danang 1964
Need to put claim in, please guide me
this was the first time applying for benefits was easy as 123 ,thank yall for serving veterans in a timely .
7/19/2023
James Pooley
VA File Number: –
.In reference to PACT ACT, Agent Orange eligible, I filed a VA Form.
Note: As / VA’s Letter dated: February 7, 2023:
Letter stated: Service connection for hypertension associated with herbicide exposure is granted with a 0% evaluation,
effection August 10, 2022…..
Thus, When & how much will I be paid for
backdated COMPENSATION. Tks.
James Pooley
File # –
God Bless All
God has Blessed America J.R.P.
Vietnam 66/67, Special Forces, Green Beret, Airborne & Combat Engr.
I’m hard of hearing, but Cell Ph. 1st:
Cell Ph.:
Hm. Ph.:
Email:
Regards, JIM
[Editor: Please do not publish your sensitive information on the internet. I have deleted it from your comment.]
When I retired in 2007, went to the Minneapolis VA for my initial screen. One of the two sinus docs remarked “You know my job is to screen you out of the program, not in, right?” Sure enough no disability rating despite burn pit exposure and multiple trips per year on bad sinuses. Fortunately, I appealed and won. Not much, but still got a rating.
My primary care doctor was very good. However, he died 2 yrs ago and has yet to be replaced. The specialty care, like Ortho…not so good.
What if you filed back when it was signed and was approved.
So if I applied for the PACT act in September of 22 and awarded January 2023 do I get 1 months back pay?
Will any assistance be in las vega n.m.
I did basic training at Ft McCellan Alabama in 1973.I have some health issues.Please keep me informed.
What about Vietnam Agent Orange contamination ? How do I go about registering for that ? What is the procedure ? I also, while in Vietnam , lived on APC’s and had to burn explosive ordinance and clear abandoned or relocated Artillery Bases being exposed in the process to smoke and fumes created by EOD team’s explosions.
I was stationed at Ft McCellan, Al as permanent party of Charlie Company of the 46 Engineer of the 18th Engineer Brigade. I was there from 1988-1990 doing all kinds of basic repairs, improvement, training, and ect. We were a combat heavy company that worked in the soil, water,and rocks. Also I was on the react team for Monsanto who was destroying WW1 chemical shellat the time. Now I have major health issues. By the way when I was tranfer to Alaska right before the Gulf War in 1990 I was on that company’s Feild Sanitation and Hygiene where we set up waste collecting points along with others that would be hauld off to the open burn pit where we would dump the trash, poop bags and other stuff into the fire. This happen in -50 degrees weather up near the artic circle at Ft. Greeley, Ak
Thanks for this information and I will seek help with filing a claim for being exposed to toxic chemicals and being infected by chemicals in cleaning out the grease pit and working with tanks ,APC’s, and 1/2 ton vehicles in the motor pool.
millions of us will get to go to giatine filing this claim…deniecd denied denied denied denied denied denied denied denied denied
I filed a year ago shouldn’t take this long
I would gladly like some dentures. Have no teeth above gum line. Some were pulled most just rotted and broke off.
Me gustaría participar en las actividades.
I applied twice for PACT and got DENIED!
It seems you have to be a QUADREPLIGIC VETERAN TO GET APPROVED.
I’m 100% !
I’ve Been Denied 2 times too,, They Admit I Was There ,, want more evidence of service connection ,,what else can you give them,, my 201 is there,, medical records,, testing,, results,,STILL DENIED
It is spelled “QUADRIPLEGIC,” and perhaps you were denied so that funds remained available for servicemen and women with legitimate claims.
Right there with you!
In Danang in 1965 several thousand cases of c-rations were shipped for distribution to Marines deployed to that AO. It turned out that these c-rations were contaminated and had to be burned. I was one of those Marines detailed to open and burn these contaminated rations. I feel it important to investigate this, no doubt in my mind that there were toxic fumes, and this incident should be included in Burn Pit data.
After 3 visits to local VA (Allentown, PA), and applying online with additional phone calls I have never received any results. I have 27 years combined active, guard and reserve duty and I hoped for better treatment. I give up!
While working at the A1W prototype in Idaho Falls in the early 1980s, asbestos removal was being performed on the main engine turbine casings. A rope barrier was put in place to “keep the asbestos inside the yellow rope barrier”. When I raised a concern with the Westinghouse shift manager, I was told to shut up.
My husband died from small cell lung cancer. He was screened for exposure to asbestos . He was in the navy and he was a boiler technician. He was exposed to lot of chemicals. Desert storm and gulf War Also
Does this include being poisoned by the water in Camp Lejeune ? Is this for VA benefits or the goverment settlement?
What can be done for the children born after soldiers returned from Vietnam with the exposure to Agent Orange. These children now adults have severe health issues.
I evacuated Cambodian refugees in 1975,was aboard the USS TUSCALOOSA where as we pulled right up on the beach to offload Marines and onload refugees ,,I was exposed to agent orange and suffering some effects now
I was stationed in Panama Canal Zone both sides of the isthmus we did a lot of missions and time all over the jungle. I’ve read that the US Government was sued by PANAMA and won a suit for clean up of agent Orange Chemical clean up, im pretty sure some of missions exposed us to agent Orange!
Do I qualify for pact act benifits
Does this apply to spouses of veterans who died from exposure to radiation in the United States Army, and Air Force? He passed away before the pact act was passed.
Does any of this apply to those who were stationed at Kelly AFB in San Antonio, Texas or Clark AFB, Philippines?
I worked in the Mortuary at Yongsan South Korea with Mr, Pool, exposed to several chemicals used there. Am I covered?
WHY the hell is this notice dated July 1, 2023, but this is July 13, 2023? YOU wasted two weeks of filing time on purpose!!! The VA has been cheating me, a Vietnam veteran, for over 50 years now.
VA has done the same for my husband for more than 40 years , he passed away and they still did not go back to 70 first claim to pay him retro
Is asbestos exposure and mercury covered exposures. I was in the navy from 1975 to 1980, and as boiler technician, I handled considerable amounts of asbestos insulation, and mercury to a lesser degree. I had prostate cancer twice and kidney cancer once. I have been experiencing breathing problems for the past 20 years or so and suspect that asbestos and possible mercury mist may have some influence on my current health. My Tinnitus due to machinery noise has increased from 10% as previously diagnosed. It seems the older I get the more recognizable health conditions are getting. Past attempts to look into my conditions have been mostly sidestepped by the VA. please let me know if this request for some help will be futile again. What negative rewards for service. Just concerned for active military family and friends. Thanks!
Johnny
I was recently awarded 10% for agent orange exposure which affected my heart but no benefits were given. What about the 50 plus years I’ve been living with it, that’s worth nothing?
Is radiation exposure covered under this? I was stationed in Frankfurt Germany and was rained on for 8 days from the Chernobyl explosion (Ukraine) in April 1986, a cloud was above the city for 8 days. My son who was 4 months old at the time is sterile from the radiation. I lost my hair on top of head at the time, and I still have rash on my hands monthly, as I did when it happened. I had to pay out of pocket for Rogaine treatments to get my hair to grow back at a Vidal Sassoon salon. in downtown Frankfurt. The military doc said it was from stress.
I was stationed in Giebelstadt whe Chernobyl went down with the 92nd Chemical Bttn.
I’ve had testicular cancer, lost all my teeth and am currently in treatment for advanced bladder cancer.
Why can’t I get extra benefit for mgus a pre bone cancer disease
Colon cancer is not covered. The Colon only filters water. But it’s not covered.
What about CS gas if I was exposed to it many times without PPE.
CS gas is normal air for Chem Corp. COPD and all gets “0”!
Why isn’t someone sticking up for the Contractors ? They are sick and dying also
My perfectly healthy husband upon deployment is now sick with heart failure due to being medevaced out from Iraq with myocarditis. This has been ongoing for years ! Where is his justice ?
Go to a civilian law firm. In killeen, tx we use Carlson Law firm My daughter and I used for The hearing law suit, Radiation exposure and burn pit exposure. Major law firm outside of Old Fort Hood post , now called Fort Cavazos, Tx. We both worked civilian in Kuwait and Iraq. They can help you out.
If you are at 100% are you eligible to receive back pay for Burn Pit
That’s what I am trying to figure out
There is no mention of where and what dates these events will be held; it is already July. Will the veterans be notified somehow?
Hello Chris my name is Russell Johnson when you get this information do you mind sharing it? thank you
Go to the search icon and type in vetfest, I was able to find it there
I love our VA Medical Hospitals and those great Doctors and all the supporting staff that give their best who work there…My brother and I are both VietNam veterans. Thank you VA for caring about us as much as you do, God Bless the VA…
I’m a female veteran who went to basic in fort McClellan, uAlabama the most toxic base in the country. I’ve been told I was exposed to a wide variety of toxins and I have all kinds of health problems. Are fort McClellan Alabama veterans going to be included in this?
Hello, i was there to. If you hear anything can you keep me posted.
Sharon P. Alexander
Hello, i was there to during 1973-1976. If you hear anything can you keep me posted.
Hi I was there to for basic training in 1/75 . If you heard anything let me know
Hello,
I was stationed at Fort McClellan Alabama in July 1974. I also have a lot of health issues, and wondering if we were covered because of the toxic chemicals we were exposed to. Please email me with any updated information that you may receive.
How long does it take to get a determination on the disability? I completed all the required actions 2 weeks ago.
I applied mid May and was approved end of June.
They are typically back logged. Mine have taken 2-4 months depending on the amount of evidence and information needing review.
Well If This Law Makes It Easier To Get My Benifits,,WHY HAVE I BEEN DENIED 2 TIMES,, They ADMIT I Was There,,My Records Show This,, BUT THEY WANT MORE EVIDENCE FOR SERVICE CONNECTION,,What Do I Need The News Footage,, THEY HAVE Access To My 201 file,, MY Medical Records ,, WHAT ELSE DO YOU WANT
Thyroid problems after Chernobyl radiation cloud in West Germany and Tinnitus from crappy to no ear protection at the shooting range (Security Police), apparently I make too much money. Wow, thanks for having our backs during the cold War in Europe.
I filed my claim in Oct of 22, and just received a letter the first of July 23 telling me they need more information and have requested my medical records. So I guess it’s the luck of the draw.
I was exposed to mercury, constantly, for 9 months onboard the USS Piedmont.
Radiation, several times, on the USS Sperry. Though “life-time exposure” on my discharge physical claimed zero exposure. When they claimed people received 1/2 a rad each year from sunlight.
Asbestos exposure for a year and a half on ships underway. And a year in the yards standing fire watch duty in poorly ventellated workspaces.
I don’t know how much of my medical condition results from exposure to toxic and carcinogenic material during my military duty. At 71 I have several, none of which pronounces serious except two level four knees, a bad back, and neck. I have been on thyroid supplements for two decades.
How do I know if any of them are related to my time in the Navy?
I was finally approved to 100% for part of my injuries a few years ago. I saw doctors at the VA for stomach problems around 1970 , the VA said nothing was wrong but I was having serious problems enough that I went to another doctor at the University of Chicago they found an duodenum ulcer. I’ve had stomach and gastrointestinal troubles since and have been taking medication daily since then. I was also stationed at Camp Lejeune for two years and tended a burn pit during that time. Is there any other benefit due to me? Or would this be a waste of time?
Be honest and Frank, I don’t want to waste my time, I was treated like crap for years after years of seeking help. My wife was also with me at Lejeune, after seeing how I was treated she doesn’t want to be involved although having problems and loosing our first child.
Please help me
I’m a medically retired Marine. And Vietnamese-Nam Veteran. And was exposed to agent-orange. What are my option’s!!
When you say SURVIVERS, does this include military contractors? I was in Balad, Iraq (Anaconda)as a heavy equipment op. for KBR from 9/04-1/06. I had an acoustic schwanoma (neroma) removed a stomach lipoma removed and have a inoperable acoustic schwanoma on my brain stem. Tinnitus,high BP blurred vision and balance problems and allergy’s, rhinitis and other lung issues I think was related to the BURNPIT.
These following questions are a combination of my position as a registered veteran advocate seeking answers to what others are asking me about the Pact Act and are framed from my own experience and observation of those suffering:
How do we go about (proving) these chemical exposures when our commands and the VA were going out of their way to deny the existence of such exposures even to the point of denying those exposed earned medals for locations they served?
How do we integrate veterans statements of diagnosis when their integrated partnering institutions mad positive diagnosis of such ailments but the VA records do not reflect what the Veteran was told about such diagnosis or the VA chose to rediagnose something else without scientific process?
Information from such internal VA documents never seems available when our veterans go to discuss or request such claims.
Examples:
I still remember one veteran who died of chemical injuries being diagnosed as hallucinating when those chemicals in his skin would occasionally react and briefly burn surrounding skin even a decade after being injured in an IED explosion because the VA wasn’t dealing with chemical exposures issues and was essentially misdiagnosing a mental illness for what could have been a treated ailment.
While my father died of strangulation (due to repeated suicide attempts after cancer started eating his face) the VA refused to deal with his records even enough to process basic death benefits to get him buried where he wanted and applied for, to say nothing of that his reason for skin cancer was the same as most Agent Orange exposed Vietnam veterans.
My own command got caught mishandling nuclear waste but kept enough veterans suffering from earlier exposures from being involved with the investigation that there is still no record of that exposure prior to the refit where a part of what was happening got reported on. I know as much as I do about that incident investigation because of later having served with the Commodore in charge in a veteran role where he got furious listing to my accounts of prior incidents and investigations he was never informed of. I know of a portion of those previous incidents and investigations because I was personally exposed to radio active nuclear as someone tasked with cleanup who’s reports were never passed up chain or submitted to investigators.
When burn pits were first determined to be kind of problem they are now being recognized to be, many of those materials being banned from burning in pits were transferred to ship burn rooms where sailors were even closer to those toxins and where soot quickly overwhelmed filters to the point filters were removed. When accumulation was finally addressed crews were crawling through as much as 20″s of such soot and ash to say nothing of the long term effort to keep living spaces like offices and birthings clean of such residue: which represents a much higher exposure than an open pit situations.
I and other veterans still don’t have all of our earned medals due to how commands were hiding what was going on and as a result most of my piers exposed to these events have already died of associated ailments without nessicary records for survivors to make claims. An alarming number have died from complex cancers yet like my father’s generation we don’t have access to such records to establish our own claims.
Does the Pact-Act take any of these such challenges into account?
So how do we (prove) any of these such details, that our commands were so intent on cover-up to protect some officer’s “good name”, sufficiently to get veterans registered for thise benefits they need?
Most veterans I talk to say things like “Oh and in case you want to send me back to a psych ward” “to ask me how i “feel” about” what happened
to them, that there seems a reasonable claim for psychosocial stress and potential PTSD connected to how these chemical ailments were handled over decades.
Do we need to be advising these chemical exposures veterans to get PTSD evaluations in association to their now assumed chemical exposures as a separate ailment evaluation or as a direct part of PACT-Act claims?
Thank you for your time reading this comment.
I was in Desert Storm. May I apply?
Me too can we ??
I TRYING TO GET MY 0% SINCE JULY 22,1976 TO TODAY DAYS AND BECAUSE FOR THAT TIME I DON’T SPEAK TO GOOD ENGLISH JUST I WANT TO GO BACK HOME. CHECK MY MEDICAL RECORD FROM THAT TIME WHEN I GET OUT FROM GERMANY.
What’s the catch?
Veterans had to fight ‘tooth and nail’ to get any form or kind of VA Benefits.
Now it’s as if the VA is going out of their way to get every and all veterans signed up for VA Benefits.
Something is fishy here!
One does not get money without expecting their will be some form of ‘catch’/fine print that can be interpreted as necessary to fit the occasion.
Good point John!
Its because the more you make one year the less you get the next. Biden also signed a document saying if a veteran ( his whole household) makes a certain amount over a certain amount the next year his va payment will deduct that amount.
Very very good thank you so much.
I was stationed with NAVSUPPACT DANANG, Camp Tien Sha. In 01/06/1967 to 01/06/1968. Presumptive Agent Orange, Type 2 Diabetes. Am I eligible for Pact Act ?
I have gastro intestinal issues which may be related to the almost 2 years stationed at Camp Lejune
The VA denied my Kidney Cancer Claim that I had submitted 6 years ago. I’m on the Agent Orange Registry having served in Thailand from 1966-1967. I had submitted a Supplemental Claim for the disease of which I had tumor surgery about three years ago. Now I have Bladder Cancer and had cancer surgery to remove a malignant tumor in May, 2023. I put in a new claim for Bladder Cancer a month ago and still waiting for a answer. I’m 76 years old and fear I may die before I hear from the VA.
I also had bladder cancer, VN vet, VA declined any rating or payment due to the fact that the cancer was/is “in remission”. So, I guess if you file while the cancer is present you might have a chance of getting a disability rating for it?