Houston VA connecting Veterans with PACT Act Benefits
On August 10, 2022, President Joe Biden signed the historic Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act into law which expands VA health care and benefits for millions of Veterans who were exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances, along with their survivors.
The PACT Act adds more than 20 health conditions that we assume (or “presume”) are caused by exposure to these substances. It also requires VA to provide a toxic exposure screening to every Veteran enrolled in VA health care.
On Dec. 14, the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (Houston VA) held a resource fair to spread awareness of the PACT Act, provide toxic exposure screenings and assistance with VA enrollment, benefits and claims, and much more.
Marvin Hayes, who served in the Marines as a combat engineer and was stationed at Camp Lejeune from 1987 to 1991, was one of more than 600 Veterans who attended the event.
“I came down to get the screening for Camp Lejeune toxic water,” said Hayes, who receives his health care through Houston VA. “I will probably come back to another event. It was a lot of information at one time.”
The Hon. Matthew Quinn, Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs, represented the VA Secretary at the event and promised to fight for Veterans.
“We will not rest until every Veteran and survivor, not only in Houston, Texas, but across this great nation knows about this new law, understands what it means to them and gets the care and benefits they’ve earned,” said Quinn. “That’s what our country owes so many of you and that’s what we will deliver.”
The event on Dec. 14 is the first of many Houston VA will hold to connect Veterans with PACT Act benefits and health care.
“We’re going to have more of these across the Greater Houston area to make it as convenient as possible for you,” said Frank Vazquez, director, Houston VA. “We will take this information, the toxic exposure screenings and services to where you are.”
To learn more about the PACT Act, visit VA.gov/PACT or call us at 1-800-MYVA411.