President Joe Biden is set to visit New Hampshire to showcase the positive effects of the PACT Act, a law aimed at assisting veterans who have suffered from burn pit or other toxic exposure during their military service. Since the law was signed in August 2022, over 1 million claims have been approved, benefiting approximately 888,000 veterans and survivors across all 50 states. This has resulted in a total of $5.7 billion in disability benefits being distributed to these individuals.
The PACT Act, though less publicized compared to other legislative achievements of the Biden administration, holds significant personal importance for the President. Biden has attributed his son Beau's brain cancer, which led to his tragic passing, to exposure from burn pits during his service in Iraq. This personal connection has been a driving force behind Biden's commitment to passing the PACT Act.
Prior to the enactment of the PACT Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs rejected 70% of disability claims related to burn pit exposure. The new law mandates that the VA automatically considers certain respiratory illnesses and cancers as linked to burn pit or toxic exposure, eliminating the burden on veterans to prove this connection.
Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough emphasized the significance of the PACT Act in ensuring that veterans receive the care and benefits they deserve without facing unnecessary hurdles. The law represents a crucial step towards supporting those who have sacrificed for their country and addressing the health challenges they may encounter as a result of their service.
