Spectrum News 1: Veterans call the PACT Act a game-changer

SPECTRUM NEWS 1. JACQUELYN QUINONES

Millions of more veterans can now apply for health care benefits thanks to the PACT Act, called the largest expansion of veteran health care and benefits in decades. 

The law helps veterans get screened for exposure to Agent Orange, burn pits and toxic chemicals, all of which hits close to home for Rep. Pat Ryan.

“I, actually, myself, got out of active duty almost 15 years ago, had never signed up for VA benefits, which I probably should have," Ryan said Friday. "And the PACT Act is what caused me to want to come here and sign up today.”

Ryan said he knows the opportunity to receive the benefits will mean a lot to those who served.

“It means a lot to me as an Iraq war veteran. I know it means a lot to my fellow vets that our country is taking care of us, that they're recognizing us," Ryan said. "We serve. We put our lives on the line, and now coming home just feels like we're being supported, and that means a lot to me.”

Navy veteran Thomas Zurhellen said he, too, will sign up for screening.

“It's great because it primarily looks at younger veterans, Iraq, Afghanistan and the Gulf War, to get them up to date on your possibility of being exposed to burn pits and all kinds of cancer-causing materials and things like that," Zurhellen said. "So up until now, these conditions were denied by the VA because there was no proof.”

Thomas called the act a great move forward.

“It makes me feel so good to know that finally, somebody got it and is eliminating the red tape,” said Zurhellen.

According to the U.S. Veterans Affairs, all PACT Act-related benefit claims can be processed starting Jan. 1, 2023.