Enhanced Veterans Health Benefits: “MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) Ensuring our veterans across the Gulf Coast are aware of expanded health benefits has become a top priority for the US Department of Veterans Affairs. This initiative aims to provide greater access to crucial care for vets in need. Recent legislation, passed just a year ago, now opens the door to benefits that many veterans weren’t covered for previously.
Over the weekend, the Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic went above and beyond, extending hours into a rare Saturday session to reach more vets. This August marked one year since the signing of the PACT Act into law. According to the VA, this “new law expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances.” These are issues that might not have received coverage a year ago, potentially affecting thousands who served in recent conflicts.
“It expands health care to folks who weren’t eligible before. Maybe individuals without a documented service connection or a specific injury they were rated for. It now covers those who served in various theaters, such as the Persian Gulf or Afghanistan,” explained Don Wood from the VA office in Mobile. While they’ve conducted outreach events in Pensacola, Eglin Airforce Base, and Biloxi, regular hours during the week are available. They encourage any veteran exposed to toxic burn pits to come in for a screening and determine eligibility.”
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Our Reader’s Queries
What is VA enhanced eligibility status?
If you’re in VA health care and served in combat after November 11, 1998, and left active duty after September 11, 2001, you qualify for extra benefits for 10 years.
How much will the Pact Act pay?
PACT Act Compensation varies based on your condition and VA disability rating. For instance, if you have a 60% rating for a burn pit exposure disability, you could receive more than $1,000 monthly in compensation.
Burn pit presumptive conditions encompass a range of respiratory illnesses including Asthma (if not diagnosed prior to discharge), Chronic Bronchitis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Constrictive or obliterative bronchiolitis, Emphysema, Granulomatous disease, Interstitial lung diseases, Pleuritis, Pulmonary Fibrosis, Sarcoidosis, and Chronic Sinusitis. These conditions are linked to exposure to burn pits and can have serious long-term effects on lung health. It is important for individuals who may have been exposed to be aware of these potential health risks and seek medical attention if necessary.
What health benefits does the VA cover?
VA provides a range of essential health care services including health exams, health education such as nutrition education, immunization against infectious diseases such as flu shots, and counseling on genetic diseases that run in families.