US military veterans achieved a significant victory when, in August 2022, President Joe Biden signed into law the Honoring Our PACT Act. Long supported by veterans-service groups like the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), the bill broadens healthcare access and eligibility for veterans who were exposed to toxic chemicals during their military service.
The signing of the PACT Act (also known by its full name, the SFC Heath Robinson Honoring Our PACT Act) was the culmination of years of effort by WWP. In April, when the bill had passed the House but not yet the Senate, WWP urged members of its network to contact their senators. The call to action resulted in WWP supporters sending thousands of emails.
The organization continued to apply pressure the following month. Over Memorial Day Weekend, WWP joined other veterans-service organizations for a rally in Washington, DC. Two weeks later, following an agreement made by the Democratic chair and the ranking Republican member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, the Senate passed the bill.
In a statement, WWP commended the president and all the members of Congress who supported the act, saying its implementation will “save the lives of countless veterans.” According to WWP, 75 percent of the veterans it serves were exposed to burn pits during their time in the military, and nearly all were exposed to other toxic substances.
Previously, veterans had to prove they had developed a medical condition as a result of their exposure to toxins during their service. The PACT Act lowers the burden of proof, requiring veterans only to show that they were exposed to toxins and that they now have an exposure-related condition. The PACT ACT also guarantees enrollment eligibility for VA health care to any veteran exposed to toxins.
WWP notes that veterans who have an exposure-related condition and had previously been denied VA health care should refile their claims. WWP maintains a Benefits Services team to help guide veterans and their families through this process and to provide information on whether they are now eligible for other benefits.
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