Vets exposed to toxics

The PACT Act is a new law that expands Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. This law helps us provide generations of veterans – and their survivors – with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve.

The VA's will help answer your questions about what the PACT Act means for you or your loved ones. You can also call 800-698-2411 (TTY: 711). And you can file a claim for PACT Act-related disability compensation or apply for VA health care now.

As for myself, I have been battling stage 4 prostate cancer for nearly 14 years. While I did not go “boots on the ground” in Vietnam, I was in Guam in 1978. Guam, for 1962 to 1980, is one of five new areas added to the “presumptive” exposure to agent orange list. Prostate cancer is one of many afflictions that are attributed to exposure to agent orange. Another one is high blood pressure. These conditions will earn you a 100% VA disability rating, which is currently around $3,200 per month tax free.

I am also covered for potentially other afflictions from the first Gulf War and burn pit exposure.

If you feel you are covered, please check out the VA contact information above.

You can also contact the Disabled American Veterans group and they will assist you with your claim.

I am a lifetime member of the DAV and I currently have a 50% disability rating.

You can contact the DAV office in Mount Vernon at

360-708-7367

More at: va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits.

Rick Dole

La Conner