The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act is a landmark piece of legislation that delivers long-overdue recognition and support to veterans exposed to toxic substances during their service. Signed into law on August 10, 2022, the PACT Act represents the most sweeping expansion of VA healthcare and benefits in more than 30 years. It directly addresses the serious health conditions linked to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic exposures that have impacted millions of veterans. By broadening eligibility and streamlining the claims process, the law ensures more veterans get the care and compensation they deserve. For those navigating the complex VA system, understanding the details of PACT Act compensation is a vital step toward accessing life-changing support. Here is what you need to know about the PACT Act and how it might impact you.
What Is the PACT Act?
The PACT Act is named after Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson, a combat medic who died from a rare lung cancer linked to toxic exposure during deployment. The law fundamentally changes how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) processes claims related to toxic exposure, removing many of the barriers that previously prevented veterans from receiving the support they needed.
This landmark legislation covers exposure to:
- Burn pits used in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Southwest Asia
- Agent Orange from the Vietnam War and other regions
- Contaminated water at Camp Lejeune
- Radiation exposure from nuclear tests and cleanup efforts
- Airborne hazards like sand, dust, particulates, and chemicals
By establishing “presumptive conditions,” the PACT Act simplifies the compensation process for many veterans, sparing them from having to prove a direct connection between their illness and their service.
PACT Act Eligibility: Who Qualifies for Compensation
Eligibility for PACT Act compensation depends on where and when a veteran served, as well as whether they have a condition recognized as service-related.
Service Locations and Timeframes
Veterans who served in the following locations during these periods may be eligible:
Post-9/11 Combat Zones (after Sept. 11, 2001):
- Afghanistan, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Uzbekistan, Yemen
Persian Gulf War and Post-9/11 Areas (after Aug. 2, 1990):
- Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, UAE
Vietnam War Era (Agent Orange Exposure):
- Vietnam: Jan 9, 1962 – May 7, 1975
- Thailand (U.S. or Thai bases): Jan 9, 1962 – June 30, 1976
- Laos: Dec 1, 1965 – Sept 30, 1969
- Cambodia (specific provinces): April 16 – April 30, 1969
- Guam or American Samoa: Jan 9, 1962 – July 31, 1980
- Johnston Atoll: Jan 1, 1972 – Sept 30, 1977
Radiation Exposure:
- Enewetak Atoll: 1977 – 1980
- Palomares, Spain: 1966 – 1967
- Thule, Greenland: 1968
Camp Lejeune:
- Served at least 30 consecutive days between Aug 1, 1953 – Dec 31, 1987
Expanded Healthcare Access
The PACT Act also brings a major shift in VA healthcare eligibility, making it easier for veterans to get the care they need—sooner. Under the new provisions, veterans with qualifying service no longer have to wait for a formal disability rating to enroll in VA healthcare. This change removes a key barrier, allowing millions to access essential medical services without unnecessary delays. By prioritizing early access, the PACT Act ensures that veterans exposed to toxic substances can begin receiving treatment and support as quickly as possible.
Presumptive Conditions Under the PACT Act
The most important change under the PACT Act is the expansion of “presumptive conditions” — illnesses automatically assumed to be service-connected for eligible veterans.
Cancer-Related Conditions
- Brain cancer
- Glioblastoma
- Gastrointestinal cancers
- Kidney, head and neck, pancreatic, reproductive, respiratory cancers
- Lymphomas
- Melanoma
Respiratory Conditions
- Asthma (diagnosed after service)
- Chronic bronchitis, sinusitis, rhinitis
- COPD, emphysema
- Pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial lung disease (ILD)
- Sarcoidosis, granulomatous disease
- Pleuritis
- Bronchiolitis (constrictive or obliterative)
Agent Orange-Related (New Additions)
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)
Even if a veteran’s condition isn’t listed, it’s still worth filing a claim. The VA continues to research toxic exposure and may expand the list of presumptive conditions in the future.
Understanding PACT Act Compensation: How Payments Work
PACT Act compensation is part of the VA’s disability compensation program, which provides monthly tax-free payments based on disability severity and impact on a veteran’s life.
VA Disability Ratings
Here are sample monthly payments for 2025.
Sample Monthly Payments (2025 Estimates)
- 60% disability rating: ~$1,395 per month
- 100% disability rating: ~$3,800+ per month
It should also be noted that payments increase for veterans with dependents. Additionally, veterans with severe disabilities or specific needs (like aid and attendance) may qualify for additional compensation through SMC.
Filing a PACT Act Claim: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Veterans and survivors can file PACT Act claims anytime. While the August 2023 deadline for retroactive benefits has passed, you can still receive future payments by submitting a claim now.
How to File:
There are four ways you can file. Here they are:
- Online: VA.gov
- By Mail: Use VA Form 21-526EZ or 21P-534EZ (for survivors)
- In Person: Visit a VA regional office
- With Help: Get support from a VSO or VA-accredited attorney
If You Were Denied Before
If your claim was denied in the past and your condition is now presumptive, you can file a Supplemental Claim. Survivors can also reapply for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) based on updated eligibility. These are the documents you’ll need:
Documents You’ll Need
- DD214 or military service records
- Medical diagnosis or test results
You may also need to attend a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam, which evaluates the severity of your condition.
PACT Act Compensation by the Numbers
The PACT Act has already had a major impact. As of late 2024:
- 1.23 million claims approved out of 1.65 million filed
- $6.8 billion+ in compensation paid
- 36.8% of claims completed within 125 days
- 637,000,000+ paid to veterans with cancer
- 5.7 million+ toxic exposure screenings completed
This progress shows the system is improving to meet veterans’ needs.
Survivor Benefits Under the PACT Act
Families of veterans who died from now-presumptive conditions may also qualify for support. Survivor benefits include:
Survivor Benefits Include:
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
- Accrued benefits owed at the time of death
- Survivors Pension (for those who meet financial criteria)
- CHAMPVA healthcare, burial reimbursement, home loan support, and education benefits
VA Improvements and Ongoing Research
The PACT Act includes funding and mandates to improve how the VA serves veterans:
- Hiring more staff
- Upgrading IT infrastructure
- Expanding rural healthcare
- Requiring toxic exposure screenings every 5 years
It also tasks the VA with leading future research on toxic exposure, which could lead to even more presumptive conditions.
Why You Should File for PACT Act Compensation
The PACT Act marks a powerful turning point for veterans exposed to toxic substances during their service, offering long-overdue recognition and expanded access to critical benefits. By establishing clearer eligibility guidelines and a broader list of presumptive conditions, it removes many of the roadblocks that previously stood in the way of care and compensation.
Even if your claim was denied in the past or your condition isn’t yet listed, now is the time to take action—rules have changed, and help is available. From VA-accredited attorneys to Veterans Service Organizations, you don’t have to navigate the process alone. PACT Act compensation isn’t just financial relief—it’s a meaningful acknowledgment of your service and sacrifice. Don’t wait to claim the support you’ve rightfully earned.
At Allveteran.com, we seek to help veterans connect with resources that may make all the difference. To find out your disability rating, take our free medical evidence screening today!
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