PACT Act and Toxic Exposure Risk Activity

Your guide to the PACT Act and "TERA"—with sources!

Hey there! Let's clear up some confusion about two important terms you might be hearing a lot: the PACT Act and "TERA". It's easy to get them mixed up, so think of it this way: The PACT Act is the big law, and a Toxic Exposure Risk Activity (TERA) is something you might have done during service that makes you eligible for benefits under that law. 

There is no actual "Toxic Exposure and Risk Act," but the PACT Act was a massive step forward for veteran healthcare and benefits, especially for those who were exposed to toxic materials like burn pits and Agent Orange. 

So, what's the deal with the PACT Act?

The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our PACT Act is the biggest expansion of veteran benefits in decades. It was signed into law in 2022 to address the health issues of millions of veterans exposed to toxic substances during their service. 

Here’s why it's a game-changer:

• Wider healthcare access: It expanded VA healthcare eligibility for veterans from the Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11 eras, covering those with toxic exposures.

• More presumptive conditions: The PACT Act added over 20 new presumptive conditions, which means the VA automatically assumes certain illnesses were caused by military service in specific locations and timeframes. No more fighting to prove the connection yourself!

• Expanded exposure locations: More locations where veterans may have been exposed to toxins like Agent Orange and radiation were added, making it easier for them to qualify for benefits.

• Required toxic exposure screenings: The VA must now offer a toxic exposure screening to every veteran enrolled in VA health care.

• Survivor benefits: It helps survivors of veterans who died from service-connected disabilities get the compensation they deserve. 

What about a Toxic Exposure Risk Activity (TERA)?

This is the key term used within the PACT Act to help define eligibility. If you participated in a TERA during your service, you're now eligible for expanded VA health care. This includes exposure to things like burn pits, Agent Orange, radiation, and contaminated water. 

Since March 5, 2024, all veterans who participated in a TERA can enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for specific disability benefits, which is a huge improvement. 

Burn pit and airborne hazards 

Post-9/11 Era (On or after September 11, 2001): 

• Afghanistan

• Djibouti

• Egypt

• Jordan

• Lebanon

• Syria

• Uzbekistan

• Yemen

• The airspace above any of these locations 

Gulf War Era (On or after August 2, 1990): 

If you have served in Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), their airspace, or nearby waters like the Arabian Sea, Persian Gulf, or Red Sea, you might be eligible for benefits.

Agent Orange exposure 

The PACT Act covers Agent Orange exposure for service in several locations with specific date ranges. These include: 

• Republic of Vietnam

• Thailand at certain bases

• Laos

• Cambodia (specific location and dates)

• Johnston Atoll

• Guam or American Samoa

• The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) 

Contaminated water at Camp Lejeune

 Service, work, or residency for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, at

Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune or Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina , may be covered. 

Other radiation exposure sites 

Cleanup or response efforts at Enewetak Atoll , the Palomares , Spain B-52 accident, and the Thule Air Force Base in Greenland accident are also included under specific dates. 

For the most up-to-date information and the full list of qualifying areas and dates, visit the official VA website at VA.gov/PACT. 

Some of the presumptive conditions covered by the PACT Act

The PACT Act covers many illnesses, and the list is constantly being updated. Some of the presumptive conditions covered by the law include: 

• Cancers, such as brain, gastrointestinal, head, neck, kidney, pancreatic, reproductive, and respiratory cancers.

• Respiratory illnesses, like asthma (diagnosed after service), chronic bronchitis, COPD, emphysema, and interstitial lung disease.

• Agent Orange-related conditions, including hypertension (high blood pressure) and MGUS (a precancerous blood condition).

• Radiation-related conditions, for those who participated in specific cleanup operations.

• Camp Lejeune contaminated water exposure, which covers conditions like adult leukemia, bladder cancer, and Parkinson’s disease. 

This is just a brief overview, and the list of conditions and eligible locations is extensive and can be updated. 

What should you do next?

1. Attend our Claims seminar.

2. File a claim. If you believe you are eligible, file a claim with the VA as soon as possible. (Remember, when opening a new claim after being awarded a disability rating, this can/will open all rated disabilities to be reassessed.)

3. Contact an advocate. Organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) have trained service officers who can help you navigate the process for free.

4. Stay informed. Visit the official VA website at VA.gov/PACT for the most accurate and up-to-date information. You can also call the VA at 800-698-2411. 

Remember, you've earned these benefits through your service. Don't hesitate to reach out and get the care you and your family deserve