Screenings for military veterans who may have had toxic exposure Monday at Legion

Veterans who have experienced health issues because of toxic exposure during their military service can be screened 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 17 at the American Legion Burton Woolery Post 18 at 1800 W. Third St. The screenings are for veterans who are already enrolled in VA health care, however, other veterans can stop in to apply for VA benefits. VA officials will be able to answer questions about benefits and help people file disability claims.

What is toxic exposure?

Exposure to open burn pits with airborne smoke, fumes and fine particulate matter are possible hazards that would be considered as possible toxic exposure. Gulf War veterans may have been exposed to environmental hazards including pesticides and oil well fires. Vietnam-era veterans may have been exposed to Agent Orange. Other toxic exposure could come from radiation exposure from sources such as nuclear weapons. Veterans who served in post 9/11-era conflicts also may have had toxic exposure.

Veterans who were at Camp Lejeune between Aug. 1, 1953, and Dec. 31, 1987, may have had exposure to contaminated drinking water.

What is the PACT Act? Can veterans get more help with medical issues now?

The PACT Act is a law passed in 2022 that expands the health care and benefits available to military veterans who have had toxic exposure. The full name of the law is The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act. The Act adds more than 20 presumptive conditions that may have affected veterans. It requires the Veterans Administration to provide a toxic exposure screening to every veteran enrolled in VA health care. It also helps the VA improve research, education and treatment related to toxic exposures.

How can veterans receive a disability rating for toxic exposure?

Veterans must be able to connect the disability to their military service. For many conditions, the veteran must prove their service caused the condition.

However, for "presumptive conditions," the VA automatically assumes time in service caused a condition. If this is the case, the veteran needs to meet the service requirements, such as being present at a specific location at a specific time, to qualify for a presumptive condition.

For more about the PACT Act, how to apply for a disability claim and for VA health care, go to https://bit.ly/3mzqdtI or attend Monday's event at the American Legion Post 18.

Another VA toxic exposure screening scheduled in Franklin

For veterans who cannot attend Monday's screening, there will be another screening from noon to 6 p.m. April 26 at the Johnson County National Guard Armory, 325 Minuteman Way, Franklin.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Toxic exposure screenings for military vets Monday in Bloomington