Article Summary –
Burn pits, which were commonly used to dispose of waste on military bases in Iraq, Afghanistan and other overseas locations, have been linked to an array of medical conditions among veterans, including cancer, asthma, and other serious diseases. Yet the Department of Veterans Affairs routinely denied veterans’ health claims connected to burn pit exposure. In 2022, however, President Joe Biden signed the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Acts (PACT Act), which expands medical benefits for veterans exposed to toxins from burn pits, with about 795,000 veterans across the U.S. now benefiting from the Act.
Freddie Reed’s Burn Pit Exposure in Iraq and its Aftermath
In Iraq between 2007 and 2009, Freddie Reed, a Lehigh Valley resident, was serving near a burn pit in Mosul. This pit incinerated tires, chemicals, human waste, and more, and Reed and his comrades often inhaled the resulting smoke.
The Military Times states that such burn pits were commonly used to dispose of waste at overseas military bases until the mid-2010s. It is estimated that 3.5 million military members have been exposed to burn pit smoke.
Many veterans, including Reed, have developed illnesses such as cancer, asthma, and emphysema due to exposure to burn pit smoke. Despite this, the Department of Veterans Affairs often rejected their claims for medical coverage.
PACT Act: A Promise to Veterans
In 2022, President Joe Biden signed the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Acts, or PACT Act, enhancing medical benefits for veterans exposed to burn pit toxins. About 795,000 veterans are now receiving PACT Act-linked benefits.
Reed, now the director of veterans outreach for a Lehigh Valley-based nonprofit called Battle Borne, plans to apply for the PACT Act benefits.
Raising Awareness about PACT Act
Reed, along with other veterans, welcomed Sen. Bob Casey to Lehigh Valley, where he discussed the PACT Act and emphasized the need for widespread awareness among veterans about its benefits.
Approximately 20,000 Pennsylvania veterans are currently benefiting from the PACT Act, Casey stated.
Supporting Veterans: Battle Borne’s Role
Chris Yarnell, founder of Battle Borne, emphasized the importance of veteran-peer support for accessing PACT Act benefits. Battle Borne also aids veterans struggling with food insecurity by providing meals.
Political Perspective
As Sen. Casey campaigns for a fourth term, he highlights his support for veterans and the PACT Act. He currently leads his Republican competitor Dave McCormick in polls.
To understand eligibility requirements for the PACT Act and how to apply, visit https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/
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