This past August 10th marked the third anniversary of the PACT Act being signed into law. Since that important day in 2022, the act has helped millions of Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances.
Three years later, the PACT Act stands as a major milestone in providing affected Veterans and their loved ones with the care and benefits they earned and deserve. The act’s impact has been felt across the Veteran community, and that impact continues to expand.
According to the VA’s PACT Act Dashboard, between August 2022 and August 2025:
- The VA approved more than 1.9 million PACT Act-related claims.
- More than 1.5 million Veterans had their claims approved.
- More than 16,000 survivors had PACT Act related claims approved.
- More than 1 million Veterans enrolled for VHA care.
More than 6.3 million toxic exposure screenings were conducted.
- More than $11 Billion in PACT Act benefits were paid.
Additionally, the VA’s Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry, which was launched in 2014 and updated in 2024, continues to help VA leadership and researchers better understand and improve treatment and care practices for affected Veterans.
Also in 2024, VA health care was expanded to millions of Veterans, well ahead of the schedule specified by the PACT Act.
These are all positive outcomes that underscore why the PACT Act was needed and how it continues to change the lives of Veterans who paid a heavy price for their service.
Remember, Veterans and survivors can apply anytime for benefits or VA health care – there is no deadline to apply – under the PACT Act. The sooner you apply, the sooner you could start receiving benefits.
To file a claim under the PACT Act, visit VA.gov/PACT or call 1-800-698-2411 for assistance.
