The PACT Act finally passed Congress. Next stop: Biden's desk
The U.S. Senate passed the PACT Act yesterday with a vote of 86-11. The bill will provide new health care and disability benefits to millions of veterans and is now headed to the White House to become law.Advocates called the move a historic change in how the VA approaches toxic exposure disabilities, in particular ones caused by burn pits. It was also the culmination of years of lobbying for sick veterans and nearly a week of constant protest on Capitol Hill.
After 3 tries, the PACT Act finally passes the Senate
Whoops of victory and tears of joy broke out in the U.S. Senate yesterday as lawmakers finally passed the bill that will provide health care and disability compensation to millions of veterans exposed to toxins during their time in service. The 86-11 vote on the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act, also known as the PACT Act, came six days after the bill's collapse in the Senate.
That failure sparked protestsby veterans and family members at the U.S. Capitol, drawing national attention to service members who lived and worked near burn pits or who were exposed to radiation, herbicides, and other chemicals.
McDonough sidesteps calls for VA to provide abortion services
VA Secretary Denis McDonough would not back calls to provide abortions at department medical centers even as he pledged to find ways to ensure women veterans have access to the services regardless of where they live. The comments came just two days after 25 Senators urged the VA to begin offering abortions at VA medical centers to all veterans and eligible family members, in response to a growing number of states
outlawing the procedure.
Veterans with a service-connected health condition are eligible for VA disability compensation. The VA relies on a rating system to determine the amount of pay. Veterans will first need to complete an application explaining their injuries, diseases, or other physical or mental health conditions. Then, after reviewing and confirming a service connection, the VA issues a rating decision. Veterans who disagree with the
VA's decision can file an appeal.
Did you live or work at Camp Lejeune before 1987 and now have a health condition? You may be eligible to take legal action and seek a financial settlement from the U.S. government.
