VA urges veterans potentially exposed to hazardous toxins to apply for PACT Act benefits

Many St. Louis area veterans may qualify for toxic exposure-related health care and benefits under the PACT Act.

The new law, which Congress passed this summer, expands benefits and health care for veterans who have been exposed to hazardous toxins like radiation, smoke, toxic air, Agent Orange and burn pits. The VA St. Louis Health Care System is hosting an event to encourage veterans to apply for those benefits.

It’s part of a nationwide effort to educate veterans about the new law.

“These toxic exposures really don’t play out for many many years,” said Dr. Donna Coffman, a registry exam lead with the VA St. Louis Health Care System.

According to Coffman, roughly 1 in 3 veterans have reported concerns that they were exposed to something toxic. Roughly 1 in 4 have reported that their health issues are related to potential exposure. She said that along with the expansion of benefits, the PACT Act has helped with research efforts.