SHERIDAN (WNE) — With the help of the PACT Act, veterans across the country have received a record number of benefits for the 2024 fiscal year.

According to a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs press release, 1.1 million veterans have been granted benefits. 

The PACT Act was signed into law in 2022 and expands access to VA health care for veterans exposed to toxins while serving. More specifically, all veterans exposed to toxins while serving will be eligible to enroll directly in VA health care without applying for VA benefits first.

During the Vietnam War, veterans were exposed to burn pits — open-air pits used to burn waste products — and Agent Orange, a chemical herbicide used by the military during the Vietnam War.

Veterans Benefit Specialist John Goodell of Sheridan said veterans who were exposed to the toxic fumes from the burn pits during the Gulf War are beginning to show symptoms from that exposure.

Another benefit under the PACT Act is the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) pension, Goodell said.

Under the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation pension, spouses who have lost their partner due to the toxic fumes that they may have been exposed to during the Vietnam and Gulf War are eligible for compensation, Goodell said. 

The VA’s Public Affairs and Congressional Liaison Officer Christina Miller encourages veterans to come in and get checked out to see if they qualify for any benefits.

“If you’re eligible for some kind of benefit because of a claim, it could have significant long term impacts to your spouse, who may be eligible for that financial compensation when you pass,” Miller said.