Laws involving the rights and benefits of disabled service members are constantly updating, and many have been added in the last five to ten years. Many of these Acts were either expansions to existing laws or new additions to the books, further allowing us to help you receive the compensation you deserve.
President Biden signed the PACT Act in August 2022, which included health care benefits for veterans with toxic exposures and veterans of the Gulf War, Vietnam War, and post-9/11 eras. It is one of the most significant health care/benefit expansion acts in VA history and includes expanded presumptive-exposure locations for Agent Orange and radiation. If your condition qualifies, you do not need to show proof that your service caused your condition. Finally, it includes the requirement for toxic exposure screening for every VA-enrolled Veteran by the VA.
The Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2021 was enacted on October 8th, 2021, and implemented a 6% increase in all disability compensation rates beginning December 1st, 2021. The Sgt. Ketchum Rural Veterans Mental Health Act of 2021 required the VA to establish and maintain the three new centers that will provide additional health care for Rural Veterans who are experiencing mental health issues because of their service.
Several sections were outlined within this Act that related explicitly to burn pits and helping veterans exposed to them while in service. These new provisions are listed in Sections 725, 740, 471, and 6602. Each of these expands medical training, care, and assessment around the significant effect of burn pits.
Recent rule changes with the VA allow us to help injured veterans now more than ever. Now more than ever, there are many ways to receive the compensation you deserve for your time in military service. If you were injured or became ill because of your time in the armed forces, our experienced attorneys are here to help you receive the compensation you deserve for your service. Contact our office to learn more about these changes and how they can help you.