As the two-year anniversary of the PACT Act approaches, The American Legion held a panel discussion July 11 in the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Room on Capitol Hill evaluating the impact of the far-reaching legislation while looking ahead to ensuring that it continues to serve veterans.
President Joe Biden’s signature of the bipartisan law — the Sgt. First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins Act — ushered in the largest expansion of veterans benefits in a generation. The bill established a presumption of service connection for 23 respiratory illnesses and cancers related to burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxins.
More than 1 million PACT Act related claims have now been granted, and over 888,000 veterans and survivors are now receiving new service-connected disability benefits.
“That’s an impressive accomplishment, and everyone involved with the Veterans Affairs committees deserves credit,” Chanin Nuntavong, American Legion executive director for Government Affairs, said as he opened the special event. “But there is always more we can and must do to reach those still in need. Efforts are underway to efficiently triage veterans exposed to burn pits and experiencing symptoms. New and emerging FDA-approved technology can evaluate lung function more quickly and more cost effectively than traditional methods, and help streamline the process for those in need of medical care.”