PACT Act Lawsuits

PACT Act Lawsuits

Attorneys Proudly Standing Up for Our Nation’s Defenders

On August 10, 2022, President Biden signed the PACT Act into law. It is the single largest expansion of healthcare and benefits for military veterans in the history of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). You might be entitled to new benefits now that it is signed, or you might have the chance to start new lawsuits for toxic exposure that occurred years ago in your line of duty.

To find out if you should be taking legal action now that the PACT Act is law, call (800) 391-4337 to connect with the PACT Act lawyers of Dellutri Law Group in Florida.

What is the PACT Act?

The Sergeant First Class (SFC) Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act doesn’t exactly flow, which is why it is colloquially called the PACT Act instead. It is a new law that significantly expands the benefits and services available for veterans and their families who were exposed to toxic elements. The bill was formed in response to a growing swell of military veterans and supporters who demanded that the federal government do more to take care of military service members financially struggling due to lifelong toxic exposure complications.

While the PACT Act moved through Congress, it hit unexpected resistance in the Senate after several Republican Senators rejected it. They cited the need for further clarification on the bill’s details and budget, despite showing support for it only weeks prior. After heated protests outside Capitol Hill by veterans, the Senators approved the next round of the bill, which moved it to President Biden’s desk.

What Does the PACT Act Do?

The purpose of the PACT Act is to provide military veterans with better healthcare and other benefits that were not previously available. It also significantly improves the way the VA will handle veterans who either were or may have been exposed to toxic elements, especially when related to their acts of military service.

The PACT Act brings these changes and more:

  1. Ensures that veterans will receive healthcare screenings and checkups concerning toxic exposure.
  2. Expands access for veterans who were exposed to toxic materials and water during their military career to Veterans Administration healthcare.
  3. Extends the time frame for 9/11 combat veterans to enroll in VA healthcare.
  4. Establishes new protocols for the Veterans Administration to follow when examining individuals.
  5. Adds more presumptive-exposure locations for Agent Orange and unsafe radiation.
  6. Removes the need for veterans to prove that they served if they have any one of 23 specific conditions, thereby reducing the amount of paperwork and time involved in processing veterans’ claims.
  7. Helps improve research and education into toxic exposure causes and treatments.

23 Specific Illnesses Covered by the PACT Act

The PACT Act designated 23 specific illnesses afflicting veterans that are directly related to toxic exposure, thereby alleviating the need for a veteran to prove a service connection when seeking benefits. By removing this requirement to prove a direct correlation to military service, the PACT Act provides veterans with these 23 illnesses a quicker path to receive expanded benefits and/or seek significant compensation.

What is on the list of the 23 specific illnesses?

  • 11 respiratory-related conditions
  • 7 different forms of cancer
  • Cancers related to reproduction
  • Kidney cancer
  • Glioblastoma and other brain cancers

More specifically, the PACT Act lists these types of cancers:

  • Brain cancer
  • Gastrointestinal cancer
  • Glioblastoma
  • Head cancer of any type
  • Kidney cancer
  • Lymphatic cancer of any type
  • Lymphoma of any type
  • Melanomas
  • Neck cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Reproductive cancer of any type
  • Respiratory – breathing cancer of any type

Presumptive illnesses covered by the PACT Act include:

  • Asthma that was diagnosed after military service was completed
  • Chronic bronchitis
  • COPD also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
  • Chronic rhinitis
  • Chronic sinusitis
  • Chronic bronchiolitis or obliterative bronchiolitis
  • Emphysema
  • Granulomatous disease
  • ILD - Interstitial lung disease
  • Pleuritis
  • Pulmonary fibrosis
  • Sarcoidosis

While the PACT Act covers other illnesses, veterans will still have to prove that such an illness was directly related to their military service.

Call for Legal Counsel for Military Veterans

Dellutri Law Group proudly represents military veterans who have done so much for our country. You deserve the best treatment, benefits, and compensation. With a PACT Act lawsuit or claim, you can demand just that. Let us be your guides throughout the entire process, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

We’re fighting for your future. Contact us onlineto take the next step.

PACT Act FAQ

  • What conditions does the PACT Act cover?
    The PACT Act covers 23 specific illnesses and cancers, which we have listed in full above. It also provides some coverage for different toxic exposure-caused illnesses, but there is no presumptive connection.
  • What does the PACT Act do?
    The PACT Act expands healthcare benefits to military veterans who have been exposed to toxic substances. It also allows for toxic exposure lawsuits to be filed against the federal government in certain situations, such as for people who spent time at United States Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.
  • Who enforces the PACT Act?
    Federal courts will have the responsibility of enforcing the PACT Act if there are conflicts. Administrative responsibilities and support might also involve the VA and the larger U.S. Department of Defense.
  • How soon will veterans see their benefits?
    According to the VA, the first PACT Act benefits claims filed now that President Biden has signed it into law will be fully processed by the end of 2022. As a result, the first benefits should reach veterans in January 2023. Compensation demanded through a lawsuit could take much longer, though.

The Dellutri Difference

  • Experience & Passion on Your Side

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Meet Your Attorneys

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    Carmen Dellutri

    Attorney

    If you know Carmen Dellutri, you know he is passionate about a lot of things. He gives back often- to his community, his employees, and his loved ones. Carmen has mentioned time and time again that the reason he became an Attorney, and specifically a Personal Injury and Bankruptcy Attorney, is because he loves to help others.
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    Amanda Downing

    Attorney

    Amanda Downing doesn’t mince words and says what she means when it comes to the opposing side. She has the biggest heart and will fight tooth and nail to bring justice for her clients. “I hate having to go to bat for those victims, because they never should have been put in that situation to begin with. It’s just completely unfair.”
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    Monica M. Cabrera

    Attorney

    Monica M. Cabrera has been practicing law since 2006. Prior to attending law school, she worked as a legal assistant for just under 10 years. In order to provide personal service to her clients, Monica has represented clients from all walks of life and handles all types of cases including Residential & Commerical Real Estate Sales and Purchases, 1031 Exchanges, Refinances, Probate, Wills & Trusts.
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