(KNSI) – The United States Congress passed the PACT Act earlier this week, which will increase the number of veterans eligible for care by the millions.
Effects from exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam and burn pits in the Middle East are being recognized after a decades-long fight. Disabled American Veterans Minnesota Executive Director Trent Dilks says it’s a win, but it shouldn’t have taken this long.
“We had the medical evidence that showed they’re getting these cancers, they’re getting diabetes. And still, it’s 2022, and we finally get this concession of exposure. It’s a national shame and a tragedy, but at least we were finally able to get this part done.”
Dilks says Vietnam vets will soon get treatment as long as they can prove they were assigned to specific posts in Southeast Asia during the conflict. The law also establishes high blood pressure as one of the recognized health problems caused by Agent Orange.
Dilks was meeting with U.S. Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough when he got word the bill would become law. He discusses the advice McDonough gave to former military members.
“And his advice…get with your veterans service officer. So, here in Minnesota, that can be your county veterans service officer. File for claims immediately, as soon as you can.”
Burn pit exposure is included in the bill for those who did foreign tours during Operation Desert Storm, and post-9/11, in the Middle East.
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