Public Health
PACT Act Information for Community Providers
Signed into law on August 10, 2022, the PACT Act marked one of the largest expansions of health care and benefits for Veterans in history. As a medical provider serving Veterans in the community, you are uniquely positioned to help Veterans understand and find these new benefits. This page shares PACT Act information and resources—including details about the toxic exposure screening—as well as scripting and messaging to help you communicate with Veterans.
PACT Act Overview
PACT Act Toxic Exposure Screening FAQs
PACT Act Health Care Eligibility FAQs
PACT Act Disability Benefits FAQs
Download Printable Script Cards
Printable Resources for Veterans
PACT Act Overview
- The PACT Act is a historic law that expands Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. This law empowers VA to provide generations of Veterans—and their survivors—with the care and benefits they have earned and deserve.
- The PACT Act expands and extends eligibility for VA health care for Veterans with toxic exposures and Veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War, and Post-9/11 eras.
- The PACT Act added more than 20 presumptive disease categories related to toxic exposures. If a Veteran has a presumptive condition, they don’t need to prove that their service caused the condition to receive a VA disability rating. They only need to meet the service requirements for the presumption.
- The PACT Act requires VA to provide a toxic exposure screening to every Veteran enrolled in VA health care at least once every five years. VA medical centers began providing toxic exposure screenings on November 8, 2022.
- The toxic exposure screening helps us identify Veterans with exposure concerns and advise on connecting with benefits, resources, and services. The screening is not part of the VA benefits claims process and does not medically screen for any potential conditions or illnesses.
PACT Act Toxic Exposure Screening FAQs
What is the toxic exposure screening?
As of November 8, 2022, VA medical facilities began screening all Veterans enrolled in VA health care for toxic exposures at least once every five years. The toxic exposure screening averages 5-10 minutes to complete and is used to identify and document any self-reported exposures to toxins during military service. Veterans with exposure concerns may be connected to information about benefits, registry exams, and clinical resources.
The development and implementation of a toxic exposure screening was required by section 603 of the PACT Act. It is an important step in prioritizing exposure-informed care for Veterans.
Who should be screened?
All Veterans enrolled in VA health care can receive the screening.
Should Veterans who aren’t enrolled in VA health care be screened?
No. At this time, only Veterans enrolled in VA health care can receive the screening. Veterans who are not enrolled in VA health care will have an opportunity to receive the screening after they enroll.
When should Veterans be screened?
All Veterans enrolled in VA health care should receive the screening during primary care and many specialty care provider appointments at VA medical facilities, provided it does not interfere with any urgent health care management needs. If a Veteran answers a definitive “yes” or “no,” during their screening, they won’t need to be screened again until five years after their initial screening. However, Veterans who answer “I don’t know” will be rescreened one year later.
In addition, VA is developing ways to reach out to enrolled Veterans and offer screening independent of planned appointments.
Where can Veterans be screened?
All VA medical facilities, including virtual care encounters, can provide the screening.
Can community providers conduct the screening?
No. As required by the PACT Act, the toxic exposure screening only occurs at VA facilities and is captured by the VA Electronic Health Record (EHR). Community providers cannot access the VA EHR and, therefore, are unable to conduct the screening.
What is involved in the screening process?
The screening averages 5 to 10 minutes and begins by asking Veterans if they believe they experienced any toxic exposures while serving in the armed forces.
Veterans who answer “yes” will then be asked about specific exposures, including:
- Open Burn Pits/Airborne Hazards
- Gulf War-related exposures
- Agent Orange
- Radiation
- Camp Lejeune contaminated water exposure
- Other exposures
Care teams will connect Veterans with exposure concerns to information about benefits, registry exams, and clinical resources. Medical concerns should continue to be addressed by Veterans’ existing care teams or other VA medical facility resources as appropriate.
Is the toxic exposure screening required for Veterans to be approved for health care and/or disability payments?
The toxic exposure screening is not part of the VA benefits claims process and does not impact eligibility. Veterans have the option to decline the screening.
Can the screening be completed online?
The screening can be completed over the phone with a trained screener. Alternative modalities are being explored.
PACT Act Health Care Eligibility FAQs
Do Veterans have to have a service-connected disability to receive health care? No. Veterans eligible under the PACT Act will receive the full VA Medical Benefits Package simply by applying. While we encourage Veterans to submit a VA disability claim for any injury or illness related to their service; a disability rating isn’t required to receive VA health care.
How long does PACT Act health care enrollment last?
Once Veterans are enrolled in VA health care, they remain enrolled unless they request in writing to end their enrollment.
How do Veterans know if they are eligible to enroll in VA health care?
The PACT Act expanded and extended VA health care eligibility for Veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War, and Post-9/11 eras, as well as Veterans exposed to toxins and other hazards. Veterans can learn about specific VA health care eligibility requirements by visiting VA.gov/PACT. However, eligibility for enrollment and subsequent care is based on other factors such as: a compensable service-connected disability, VA pension status, catastrophic disability determination, or the Veteran’s financial circumstances. Applying is the easiest way for a Veteran to find out if they qualify.
How can Veterans apply for VA health care?
There are four ways to apply for VA health care:
- Online: https://www.va.gov/health-care/apply/application/introduction
- By calling the toll-free hotline: 877-222-8387
- By mailing VA Form 10-10EZ to:
Health Eligibility Center
PO Box 5207
Janesville, WI 53547-5207
- In person at their nearest VA medical center or clinic
PACT Act Disability Benefits FAQs
What does it mean to have a presumptive condition for toxic exposure?
To receive a VA disability rating, a Veteran’s disability must connect to military service. Veterans must prove their service caused the condition.
But for some conditions, VA automatically assumes (or “presumes”) that a Veteran’s service caused the condition. VA calls these “presumptive conditions.”
VA considers a condition presumptive when it is established by law or regulation.
If a Veteran has a presumptive condition, they don’t need to prove their service caused the condition. They only need to meet the service requirements for the presumption.
How do Veterans file a VA disability claim for a presumptive condition?
If Veterans haven’t filed a claim yet for the presumptive condition, they can file a new claim online at any time. They can also file by mail, in person, or with the help of an accredited attorney, a claims agent, or a Veterans Service Officer (VSO). VSOs work on behalf of Veterans and service members—as well as their dependents and survivors.
If VA denied a Veteran’s disability claim in the past, and VA now considers the condition presumptive, Veterans can submit a Supplemental Claim. VA will review such cases again.
What if VA denied a Veteran’s claim but now considers their condition presumptive?
VA encourages Veterans to file a supplemental claim. When a supplemental claim is received, VA will review the claim under the new process.
Note: If VA denied a claim in the past and thinks a Veteran may be eligible now, VA will try to contact the Veteran. But Veterans don’t need to wait for VA to contact them before filing a supplemental claim.
Download Printable Script Cards
This printable script card document includes scripting for the following scenarios:
- When a Veteran asks about the toxic exposure screening
- When a Veterans asks about the PACT Act or VA benefits eligibility
Printable Resources for Veterans
