McDonough announced VA will make all conditions outlined in the PACT Act presumptive from the date President Biden signed the bill into law on Aug. 10. The initial plan was to phase-in conditions over the next few years, but the secretary said those in need have waited too long.
On this edition of Your Call, we're discussing the PACT Act, a law that will expand healthcare and disability benefits to nearly 3.5 million veterans who were exposed to toxic chemicals from burn pits on military bases in Iraq and Afghanistan. It took former Daily Show host Jon Stewart to give this issue high profile attention and shame Republicans into voting for the bill.
On Sept. 10, at 9 a.m., a meeting will be held at VFW Post 4911, 2632 Cedartown Highway, to offer details about the government’s new settlement program for those who have been affected by toxic chemicals in the water at the Marine Corps base in North Carolina.
Since November 2021, Freeman has been referred to and seen specialists in neurology, urology, nephrology, gynecology, dermatology, occupational medicine, pelvic therapy and genetic counseling, she said. A dormant, preexisting seizure disorder flared up for Freeman in the wake of the fuel contamination, and she began suffering from multiple seizures a day.
My opponent actually voted against covering service-related illnesses for our veterans because it would balloon the deficit. I’m not sure the congressman understands. We only have a country, an economy and a deficit because of our veterans. That was one of the more disgusting arguments I’ve heard,” said Amanda Waldman of the Hughesville area, which is outside the ninth district.