"Landmark Law Marks Anniversary: Veterans Reap Historic Benefits for Toxic Exposure"

As the first anniversary of the PACT Act approaches, which expanded veterans assistance for toxic exposure, the Department of Veterans Affairs is working to enroll as many veterans as possible. The law allows certain cancers and ailments to be presumed connected to burn pits in Afghanistan and Agent Orange in Vietnam. The VA has received nearly 786,000 disability claims, processed almost 435,000, and approved over 348,000. However, the backlog is expected to grow to 450,000 in October and 730,000 in April. Despite challenges, the VA has spent $7.5 million on advertising and hosted events to raise awareness. The law's anniversary will be marked by President Biden at a Veterans Affairs hospital in Salt Lake City.