The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act represents a historic expansion of benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances during their military service. Signed into law on August 10, 2022, this legislation marks the most significant enhancement of VA healthcare and benefits in over three decades. It aims to address the long-overlooked health consequences of toxic exposure for millions of veterans. For those navigating the often-complicated world of veteran benefits, understanding how PACT Act compensation works is critical to securing the care and support they’ve earned through service.
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 significantly expands eligibility for VA healthcare. Veterans with qualifying service no longer need to wait for a disability rating before enrolling in VA healthcare. This change allows millions to access care much earlier than before.
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
The VA uses a percentage system from 0% to 100%, in 10% increments. Ratings reflect how much a condition limits a veteran’s ability to function and work. Multiple conditions may be combined using a specific formula.
Sample Monthly Payments (2025 Estimates)
- 60% disability rating: ~$1,395 per month
- 100% disability rating: ~$3,800+ per month
Payments increase for veterans with dependents.
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)
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:
- 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.
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:
- 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.
Conclusion: Why You Should File for PACT Act Compensation
The PACT Act is a turning point for veterans who were exposed to harmful substances during service. It simplifies access to healthcare and financial support through clearly defined eligibility rules and presumptive conditions.
Even if your claim was denied before, or your condition isn’t currently on the list, the best time to file is now. Many resources are available to help you through the process, from VA-accredited attorneys to Veterans Service Organizations.
PACT Act compensation is not just a benefit — it’s a recognition of your sacrifice. Don’t miss out on the support you’ve 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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