The Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act
Sovereign Grand Inspector General Stuart A. Lee, II, 33°, Orient of the Far East
Hypertension and Allergic Rhinitis were the two most frequently claimed conditions and had the highest approval ratings: 81% for Allergic Rhinitis and 75% for hypertension. Data and metrics help assess performance; however, how did the VA’s implementation of the PACT Act directly impact Veterans and their families? Working in the Veterans’ benefits field, I have first- hand knowledge of the PACT Act’s impact on Veterans, their family members, and caregivers. I’ve helped veterans and their survivors submit PACT Act-related claims, which resulted in monthly non-taxable monetary benefit awards, often with substantial back payments. For example, I assisted a Veteran who served in the Republic of Vietnam during wartime and had never filed a claim with the VA. He heard about the PACT Act through a friend and wanted to know if he qualified for benefits. After meeting and speaking with the Veteran, he informed me that he was being treated for hypertension, which is a presumptive condition covered by the PACT Act. However, he also shared that he was diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer several years ago and has been undergoing treatment for B -cell leukemia. All the conditions he stated were subject to presumptive service connection. After submitting his claim, the VA issued a decision a few months afterward. The Veteran received an overall 100% disability rating, resulting in a non-
taxable monthly benefit of $4078.99 and an estimated $57,000 retroactive payment. Additionally, his rating qualified him to be enrolled in the VA Healthcare system and be placed in the highest priority group. Within this group, he would not be required to pay prescription co-payments or deductibles for care received at VA Medical Centers. This is one of many examples of the PACT Act significantly impacting Veterans’ lives. In my professional opinion, the VA has done a great job implementing the PACT Act. The evidence is shown in the VA PACT Act Performance Dashboard. For Veterans considering filing a claim, obtain a medical diagnosis before filing. Lack of a medical diagnosis was the most frequent reason for denial of claimed conditions. Additionally, consult with an accredited Veteran Service Organization claims representative for assistance. Doing so will likely save you time, effort, and money.
Sources:
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The PACT Act and Your VA Benefits. Accessed from https://www.va.gov/ resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/ on January 5, 2024. • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (December 2023) VA PACT Act Performance Dashboard. Issue Twenty-Three. Accessed from https://department.va.gov/pactdata/wp- content/uploads/sites/18/2023/12/VA-PACT-Act-Dashboard -Issue-23-122023_FOR_RELEASE_508-2.pdf on January 5, 2024.
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