Message from Councilman Roc White - August 11, 2022
Veterans-rights organizations across America have clinched a huge, long-sought victory, as President Joe Biden signed a bill on Wednesday that expands medical coverage for former service members suffering from toxic exposures.
As a Marine who served in the Gulf War, I know the critical importance of this so-called “burn pit legislation.” I’ve been frustrated by the many years of lobbying required just to ensure veterans receive the care they need and deserve.
This law signals the most significant expansion of veterans' health care and benefits in more than 30 years, I am proud to say.
Veterans of the wars in Iraq, the Gulf and Afghanistan not only faced dangers in battle, they were also breathing toxic smoke from burn pits. These dumps, often the size of football fields, comprise incinerated waste of war, including tires, poisonous chemicals, jet fuel, and so much more. It was common for soldiers to sleep and eat just a quarter mile half mile away from these toxic sites.
Soldiers returning from war reported suffering from headaches, numbness and cancer. Roughly 70% of disability claims related to burn pit exposure had been denied by the VA because of a lack of evidence, scientific data and information from the U.S. Department of Defense, according to The Associated Press.
All eyes will now be on the federal Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which must implement the legislation, known as the “Sgt. First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act.” The VA is now mandated to expand access to health care and benefits to veterans exposed to toxins while fighting to protect our nation.
The PACT Act expands VA benefits eligibility to more than 3.5 million veterans who were exposed to toxins during their military service — including illnesses resulting from exposures to toxic burns and Agent Orange.
It also adds 23 conditions to the department’s list of presumptive illnesses. I am relieved to say that veterans don’t have to prove they fell ill because of their time in the military.
The White House notes the VA has already granted 25,000 veterans and their survivors benefits for asthma, rhinitis and sinusitis based on presumptive exposure to particulate matter. The department has also launched VET-HOME, a network of providers that will conduct patient assessments on military exposures. The government expects to have a fully operational call center by January to help veterans concerned about environmental exposures.
Eligible veterans and their families and caregivers can apply for PACT Act benefits by filing a claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs, visiting the VA's website or calling 1-800-MyVA411
