The Department of Veterans Affairs says it has reached a historic milestone by
Screening one million veterans for military exposures to toxins as part of the PACT Act signed into law on Aug. 10, 2022.
“Our healthcare teams reached an incredible breakthrough in a short length of time,” said VA Under Secretary for Health Dr. Shereef Elnahal in a release. ”These screenings are paramount to improving the health outcomes for veterans and providing them with the health care and benefits they’ve earned as quickly as possible.”
The screenings are a key component of the law — which empowers VA to deliver care and benefits to millions of toxic-exposed veterans and their survivors.
This is among the first steps we have taken to deliver even more benefits and health care to veterans who have been exposed to toxins during their service,” added Elnahal.
VA surpassed initial screening expectations through extensive outreach campaigns, including hosting more than 90 Week of Action events across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico which ended Dec. 17, 2022.
Veterans can obtain screenings at any time of the year with their VA healthcare provider and those enrolled in VA healthcare will be offered an initial toxic exposure screening then follow-up screenings at least once every five years.
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The screening takes about five 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” are then asked about specific exposures, including open burn pits, Agent Orange, radiation, contaminated water and other exposures.
Veterans who have not been screened for toxic exposure or those who have never received care at VA are encouraged you to contact VA about enrolling in health its care system and about obtaining a toxic exposure screening.
VA is also encouraging all eligible veterans and survivors to apply for their earned PACT Act-related health care and benefits now.
Veterans and survivors may apply or learn more about the PACT Act by visiting
here or by calling 1-800-MYVA411.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.
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