Rep. Mikie Sherrill and New Jersey Veterans Recognize the One Year Anniversary of the PACT Act 

PARSIPPANY, NJ — Today, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) — a veteran and former Navy helicopter pilot — recognized the one year anniversary of the Honoring our PACT Act, transformative legislation for military veterans that she championed and helped pass last year. This bill finally recognizes the link between veterans’ burn pit exposure and illnesses like cancer and certain respiratory diseases, and makes VA healthcare and benefits more accessible to nearly 3.5 million American veterans.

“There’s no duty more sacred than caring for our veterans — and supporting military families — when they return home. As I’ve repeatedly said, burn pits are this generation’s Agent Orange and we must do everything we can to make sure veterans and their families are able to access the care and benefits they’ve earned. In our Congressional District alone, there are as many as 6,000 veterans who suffer from serious health problems caused by toxic exposure during their military service — and too many have been wrongly denied the care they’ve earned. That’s why I’ve been working hand-in-hand with veterans service organizations and advocates to raise awareness about these new benefits and ensure the VA is implementing our legislation in the most effective, efficient manner possible,” said Rep. Mikie Sherrill.

Since the bill’s passage last year, Sherrill has been working closely with New Jersey veterans and advocates to raise awareness about the newly available benefits, and holding the Administration accountable for effective implementation of the law. Last fall, Sherrill met with leading veterans advocates to discuss implementation and how emerging technologies can help with toxic exposure treatment.

Additionally, New Jersey veterans and advocates recognized the one year anniversary of the legislation:

“I applaud Congresswoman Sherrill’s steadfast commitment to pass and implement this bill. Although we celebrate this important milestone, lest we forget the mission is far from over. A possible government shutdown could impact veterans exposed to dangerous toxins which deeply concerns me. In no uncertain terms should funding for the basic operations of government — and the PACT program — be a subject of debate. Our elected officials need to continue to see this through,” said Brian Gallagher, former United States Marine, Gulf War Veteran and current Commander, VFW Post 7925 (Fairfield).

“Although it was long overdue, we are happy to join in celebrating the one year anniversary of the PACT Act. Over the years we saw countless veterans, some very sick, fight for the services they earned and that were rightfully theirs, only to be denied. The PACT Act not only extends services but makes access to treatment easier. It gives the clear message to our veterans that their service is appreciated and that their needs will no longer be ignored. Simply put, this is what a just society should do for those who serve their country. Many thanks to Congresswoman Sherrill and those who fought to make this law possible,” said David Pearson, Assistant Director of Catholic Charities Veteran Services and NJSOSVETS Co Chairman. 

“As a Navy veteran herself, I applaud Congresswoman Sherrill for working to get the PACT Act across the finish line and implemented in a way that best serves New Jersey veterans. I’ve heard firsthand from some veterans who choose not to enroll in VA healthcare — however, the PACT Act is a significant step forward with meaningful benefits, and I urge veterans who might be eligible for coverage to take a second look and sign up for the care they’ve earned,” said Clarence Jackson, Chairman, Essex County Veterans Advisory Board

“The bipartisan PACT Act is addressing the silent toxin killers some veterans were exposed to and our Morris County Veterans Services has assisted many veterans applying for benefits. As a Marine Corps veteran, I am pleased that Congresswoman Sherrill and Congress has enacted this legislation as we keep our commitment to those who served in our nation,” said Morris County Commissioner Director John Krickus.

“I would like to thank Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill and the members of Congress who voted in support of the PACT ACT legislation. There is no deadline to apply for PACT Act benefits, however, if a veteran files their claim before 11:59pm ET on Monday, August 14, 2023 it will be backdated to August 10, 2022. Visit www.va.gov/PACT to file your claim today,” said Thomas Dresdner, American Legion Post 279, Lincoln Park.

“It is important that veterans are aware that the PACT Act is a federal law and is not ‘ending.’ There is a misconception that if Veterans do not file a PACT Act claim by August 14, 2023, they are unable to receive VA benefits or compensation. This is false. The August 14, 2023, deadline is to be eligible to automatically receive retroactive benefits from the inception of the law (8/10/2022). Veterans may still file claims for toxic exposure next week, next month, or next year; they just won’t be eligible to receive the retroactive benefits,” said Jessica Tomalo, Program Coordinator for the Morris County Veterans Service Office. 

BACKGROUND ON THE PACT ACT

To date,, more than 4.1 million veterans have received free screenings through the VA for toxic exposure due to the PACT Act — these screenings are critical to detecting and treating serious conditions as early as possible. Additionally, the VA has delivered more than $1.85 billion in PACT-related benefits to veterans and their families or survivors. You can learn more about the PACT Act progress here.

Passed last year, the Honoring Our PACT Act:

• Provides healthcare up to 3.5 million veterans exposed to airborne hazards and burn pits
• Streamlines Veteran Affairs’ (VA) review process for coverage decisions
• Finally concedes that there was significant service member exposure to airborne hazards and burn pits
• Requires medical exams and opinions for veterans with toxic exposure disability claims
• Establishes a presumption of service connection for 23 respiratory illnesses and cancers related to burn pits and airborne hazards exposure
• Creates a presumption of exposure to radiation
• Expands Agent Orange exposure & adds hypertension and MGUS to the list of presumptions
• Requires the VA to provide standardized training & conduct outreach on toxic exposure treatment and preventative measures
• Improves data collection between VA & Department of Defense and commissions research into how we can improve treatment

If you are a veteran, visit www.va.gov/PACT or go to your local VA hospital to see if you are eligible for PACT Act benefits and services.