Hundreds of vets exposed to Agent Orange and other toxins get help at Pensacola VA Clinic

Benjamin Johnson, Pensacola News Journal
·3 min read
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Hundred of U.S. military veterans piled into the Pensacola VA Clinic Friday because many of them may have medical conditions stemming from exposure to harmful and toxic substances during their service to the country.

Since President Joe Biden signed The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act into law in 2022, many VA clinics around the U.S. have been working to inform veterans of new medical benefits they could receive from exposure to burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxic chemicals soldiers could be exposed to in the line of duty.

Friday's event, hosted by the Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System, is meant for veterans to file a claim with the VA's office to see if they qualify for further medical benefits.

One of the people who came to file a claim was 64-year-old Arthur Davis, a U.S. Army veteran who retired in 2005.

"I served in the Middle East a couple times (and) slept in the oil fields when they set them on fire," he said. "(I was) around a lot of military hazardous material."

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Hundreds of veterans gather at the Joint Ambulatory Care Center in Pensacola on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023, to learn about the benefits of the recently passed PACT Act. The event is part of the Pensacola VA Clinic's Summer VetFest.
Hundreds of veterans gather at the Joint Ambulatory Care Center in Pensacola on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023, to learn about the benefits of the recently passed PACT Act. The event is part of the Pensacola VA Clinic's Summer VetFest.

Due to his possible exposure, he came out to the Pensacola VA Clinic to where personnel were handing out medical applications so that any veteran coming in could immediately be screened for any toxic exposures or sign up for health care through the VA.

Among other things, the PACT Act expands and extends eligibility for VA health care for veterans with toxic exposures and veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War and post-9/11 eras. It also adds more than 20 presumptive conditions for toxic exposures, meaning that veterans who meet certain service requirements will not have to prove military service caused their health conditions.

Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System Director Dr. Stephanie Repasky told the News Journal veterans who come and file a claim before Aug. 9 could have financial and health benefits backdated to August 2022, but those who can't make it by then can still file claims for hazardous exposure under the new PACT Act eligibility criteria.

"We really want to make sure veterans were aware of this, that they have an opportunity to come in," Repasky said.

U.S. Air Force veteran Karen Ziemba, who retired in 1997 after her 20-year service, said she's happy to see so many fellow veterans come in to file claims for toxic exposure and, if they're new, get healthcare for the first time.

Hundreds of veterans gather at the Joint Ambulatory Care Center in Pensacola on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023, to learn about the benefits of the recently passed PACT Act. The event is part of the Pensacola VA Clinic's Summer VetFest.
Hundreds of veterans gather at the Joint Ambulatory Care Center in Pensacola on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023, to learn about the benefits of the recently passed PACT Act. The event is part of the Pensacola VA Clinic's Summer VetFest.

She says she was exposed to many chemicals found in fuel while she spent time on an a Navy supply ship, as well as polyethersulfone, also known as PES.

"I think this is a wonderful idea," she said of the event. "I think it gets people out and more aware of what veterans benefits are out there for individuals to see."

Local state Rep. Michelle Salzman, R-Pensacola, was making her rounds during the event, getting the chance to speak with veterans as they filed in to file their claims and see the engagement between the VA and the Pensacola community.

She questioned how the local VA can increase engagement with the veteran community, including more outreach events throughout the county to provide and answer questions about veteran healthcare.

"I'm from the north end, and it took me an hour to get here. I guarantee you you're not serving all veterans," Salzman told the News Journal. "That's a long drive just to be told no today."

LaVerne Robinson learns about various programs geared toward veterans while attending the Joint Ambulatory Care Center in Pensacola's Summer VetFest event on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023. During the daylong VetFest event, veterans were provided information on how to receive benefits under the recently enacted PACT act.
LaVerne Robinson learns about various programs geared toward veterans while attending the Joint Ambulatory Care Center in Pensacola's Summer VetFest event on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023. During the daylong VetFest event, veterans were provided information on how to receive benefits under the recently enacted PACT act.

Salzman also said a large community event gives veterans the chance to see people in person rather than what she said is a "mostly computerized" system when you try to call local VA offices.

Those who want more information about filing a claim can reach out to the Pensacola VA Clinic at 850-912-2000 or visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website regarding the PACT Act at va.gov/resources.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: PACT Act helps Pensacola veterans file claims toxic exposure