The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has made a significant stride in veteran healthcare, having screened 5 million veterans for possible toxic exposures. This screening is a crucial part of detecting, understanding, and treating potential health conditions that can be life-threatening.
Out of the 5 million veterans who underwent the screening, 2.1 million, or 43%, reported at least one possible exposure. The screening process involves VA health providers asking veterans about any suspected toxic exposures they might have encountered during their military service. Those who report potential exposure are asked follow-up questions and provided with information on benefits, medical exams related to registry, and other clinical resources.
The types of toxic exposures covered in the screening vary, but burn pits and Agent Orange were the most reported, accounting for over 60% of responses from veterans. More than half of the veterans screened (2.6 million) are above 65 years, with just over 900,000 under the age of 45. Over 535,000 of the nearly 650,000 women veterans who regularly use VA care have been screened for toxic exposures.
Although the toxic exposure screening does not determine disability compensation, it provides an avenue for veterans to access the resources they need to file a claim. Every veteran who reports potential exposure receives a letter with information on how to apply for benefits.
In a bid to achieve its goal of screening every veteran enrolled in VA healthcare at least once every five years, the VA is exploring innovative methods to reach out to veterans, including those who are vulnerable or do not routinely access VA care. The department is piloting a self-screening tool to simplify the initial question of the screening for veterans with access to web-based electronic communications.
Thanks to the PACT Act, many groups of veterans can now enroll directly in VA healthcare without first applying for VA benefits. This includes World War II veterans, Vietnam veterans, Gulf War veterans, veterans who deployed to a combat zone and transitioned out of service less than 10 years ago, among others. As directed by President Biden, all remaining toxic-exposed veterans, including those who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and many other combat zones during the Persian Gulf War or post 9/11, will be eligible to enroll directly in VA healthcare next year under the PACT Act.
The PACT Act has also expanded VA benefits for millions of veterans, making over 300 health conditions “presumptive” for service connection. This means that if an eligible veteran has one of these health conditions, the VA automatically assumes that it was caused by the veteran’s service and provides compensation and care accordingly. Veterans are encouraged to apply for these benefits at VA.gov/PACT.
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