By Jeff Goldberg and Brenden McMahon, MOAA Government Relations

The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act marked the most significant expansion of care and benefits for veterans since the original GI bill. Its 2022 passage — made possible by bipartisan, bicameral cooperation — represents a long-overdue recognition of the risks endured by generations of servicemembers.

Thanks to those efforts, millions of veterans have expanded access to VA health care and benefits. The VA has taken meaningful steps toward implementing these changes, including the full elimination of the phased enrollment schedule as of March 2024.

Still, a persistent — and at times adamant — belief remains among some lawmakers that the PACT Act fully resolved the issue of toxic exposure by creating a lasting solution for all affected veterans, including the establishment of a permanent legal framework to address future cases.

That belief is not just inaccurate, it’s harmful: Left uncorrected, it risks undermining both the long-term implementation of the PACT Act and the ability of the VA to respond to future exposure events.

[TAKE ACTION: Ask Your Lawmakers to Ensure Veterans Receive the Care They’ve Earned]

The law made meaningful progress by directing new research, requiring toxic exposure screenings, expanding access to care, and formally acknowledging several categories of exposure. However, it did not create the lasting legal structure needed to proactively identify new presumptives and prevent veterans from facing the same delays experienced by previous generations.

Some toxic-exposed veterans continue to face extremely long waits. On average, it takes more than 34 years from the time of exposure to when VA presumptives allow a veteran to receive service-connected benefits for related conditions, according to a report from MOAA and Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Without a strong legal framework in place, future generations may face the same long delays and barriers to care.

[‘ENDING THE WAIT’: Veterans Share Stories of Toxic Exposure]

Much work remains, and it is counterproductive to assume that work is finished. To protect future servicemembers and veterans, MOAA strongly recommends codifying a clear, science-informed framework for the presumptive-making process. This framework should define specific timelines and decision points across three key phases:

• Acknowledgement of possible toxic exposure risk
• Concession of exposure to a toxic substance
• Presumption of service connection between exposure and disease(s)

The PACT Act was a major achievement, but it was never meant to be the final step. Continued oversight is needed to ensure all veterans receive the care and recognition they deserve.

[FROM MILITARY OFFICER MAGAZINE: The Push for a More Perfect PACT Act]

MOAA’s advocates are known on Capitol Hill for being steady, credible, and mission focused. In an environment where constituent voices come in many forms, MOAA stands out by being centered, grounded, and committed to putting people first to accomplish the mission.

We do not rush to react. We move with purpose. And we remain focused on strengthening the systems that support servicemembers, veterans, and their families — ensuring their service is honored not just in words, but through lasting action.

You can help our work on the Hill by staying engaged and staying connected. Let your lawmakers know that when it comes to toxic exposure, the mission is not complete.