What the Passing of the PACT Act Means for Veterans

It's a monumental day for military members and their families. President Biden’s signing of the Honoring Our PACT Act – which includes the Camp Lejeune Justice Act – expands veterans’ access to justice and health benefits related to toxic chemical exposure.?

I’m proud to be a former Army captain. I also know that many of my brothers and sisters in the military have increased risks for asthma, cancer, and other illnesses. Some of these health problems can take years to manifest, but that shouldn’t stop them from getting the care they need. As the president put it, “our nation has a sacred obligation to properly prepare and equip the troops we send into harm’s way – and to care for them and their families when they return home.” The passing of the PACT Act is a significant move to stand by that obligation.?

Some aspects of the PACT Act include:?

• Ensuring veterans can receive high-quality health care screenings and services related to potential toxic exposures?
• Extending the time they have to enroll in VA health care, and opening the enrollment window for many veterans who previously missed out?
• Removing the need for certain veterans and their survivors to prove a connection if they are diagnosed with certain conditions?

There's so much more to this legislation, and I encourage you to read this fact sheet to learn about the comprehensive benefits included.?

Camp Lejeune?

Within the PACT Act is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which allows people who were exposed to contaminated water at the North Carolina Marine Corps base to recover damages related to toxic exposure. The legislation will likely help hundreds of thousands of people seek legal recourse for something terrible that never should have happened.?

Following my active duty service, I started a firm that helps injured Americans plan for their financial future after settlement. Milestone’s settlement consultants provide comprehensive and customized plans to plaintiffs, so they can move forward in their journeys. We would be honored to assist many of the veterans and families who now have access to justice for harm they’ve suffered.?