Brown Discusses How Pact Act Passage Will Expand VA Benefits to Veterans Exposed to Burn Pits

 

Brown Has Long Fought for Benefits for Veterans Who Experienced Toxic Exposure; Discussed New PACT Act with Veterans and Advocates

CHARDON, OH – October 4, 2022 -Today, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) hosted a roundtable with local veterans, including veterans who have been harmed by exposure to toxic burn pits, to discuss the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022 that was recently signed into law by President Biden.

The legislation is named after Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson, a Central Ohio veteran who passed away in 2020 at age 39 from lung cancer after exposure to burn pits during a one-year deployment in Iraq in 2006.

“This law is the most comprehensive expansion of benefits for veterans who faced toxic exposure in our country’s history,” said Brown. “This is a cost of going to war. If you were exposed to toxins while serving our country, you deserve the benefits you earned. Period. No exceptions.”

Brown will be joined by veterans who have been exposed to, and affected by, burn pits during their military service. Local advocates will also join the roundtable discussion.

“I am pleased the PACT Act is now law and want to thank Senator Brown for his dedication to our veterans and their families. This law encompasses veterans and dependents from Vietnam to Persian Gulf and Post 9/11 expanding health care and possible compensation benefits,” said Michelle Pemberton, Director of Geauga County Veterans Services. “The Geauga County Veteran Services are here to answer questions, assist in obtaining benefits and continue to fight for adequate care for future generations of our brothers and sisters in arms.”

The PACT Act is the result of a years-long fight by Brown, veterans and advocates to secure access to Department of Veterans Affairs health care and disability benefits for veterans who were exposed to toxic chemicals. He now is working with Ohio veterans, their families and advocates to bring additional attention to provisions in the PACT Act so veterans can get the care they’ve earned and deserve.  

All Ohio veterans and family members can go to va.gov/pact to find out more about how they can now claim the benefits they have earned.