A veteran sits with a representative of Veterans Affairs to talk about toxic exposure screenings during an event at the Marion County Fairgrounds in January. A similar event is planned for April 26 at the Indiana National Guard Armory in Franklin.
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The effects can linger and worsen for years.
In the service to their country, United States military members have been exposed to toxic materials — fumes from burn pits, chemicals such as Agent Orange, and more.
Those materials can have devastating and lifelong effects, from cancers to chronic lung diseases.
“They have ailments, a lot of them do. They tend to try to live with it, the ‘tough guy’ behavior. But people need to hear the words that we’re here to help,” said Ricardo Ramirez, public affairs officer for Veteran Health Indiana.
To help veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors, Veteran Health Indiana will host a benefits and resource event regarding exposure to toxic materials during service. The event is scheduled from noon to 6 p.m. April 26 at the Indiana National Guard Armory in Franklin.
Representatives will be on-site to answer questions about toxic exposure health benefits, Veterans Affairs eligibility and enrollment, federal and state benefits, filing claims, and more. Toxic exposure screening will be available.
As more and more veterans suffer consequences from exposure in their lives, it’s vital to get them screened and address the issue as quickly as possible, Ramirez said.
“Many of them served in areas overseas where there were burn pits and other toxic substances, so many of them have ailments. Some of them have applied for benefits for those things,” he said. “It affects so many people nationwide, but certainly here in Indiana. We need to have these events.”
The impetus for the event, as well as others planned by Veteran Health Indiana around the state, is the passage of the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022 — also known as the PACT Act.
Passed in August 2022, the law expands VA health care and benefits for service members exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. The law adds to the list of health conditions that are assumed to be caused by exposure to these substances, including a wide variety of cancers, chronic breathing diseases, high blood pressure and more.
This law helps provide generations of veterans — and those who survive them — with more care and benefits, Ramirez said.
“In years past, veterans had exposure to chemicals, but they were denied benefits. This act provides a presumptive condition, meaning that if you can prove you were in an area where toxic substances were, and you already have a condition, you will receive the benefits,” he said. “Before the law, it didn’t work that way.”
During the event at the Franklin armory, veterans and those in their lives can take care of a variety of issues in one central place. If they are enrolled in VA health care, they can get a toxic screening, checking to see if they had been exposed to harmful substances during their service. That can be the first step in the process to receiving additional benefits.
People from the Veterans Benefits Administration will be available to talk about disability claims, even those not associated with toxic exposure. Other information will be available regarding benefits veterans may be eligible for, such as home loans and reduced property taxes, Ramirez said.
The event will feature a wealth of information, including new points that many veterans may not realize are available.
“Even though this law came out last year, a lot of people still don’t understand what it is and what is going on,” Ramirez said. “We’re talking about the Vietnam War, we’re talking about the Persian Gulf War, we’re talking about the post-9/11 conflicts in the Middle East, where there were burn pits and toxic substances through those times.”
IF YOU GO
Veterans Affairs toxic screening and benefits event
What: An event for veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors to learn about expanded benefits for those exposed to toxic chemicals during their service.
When: Noon-6 p.m. April 26
Where: Indiana National Guard Armory, 325 Minuteman Way, Franklin
Information: Representatives will be on-site to answer questions about toxic exposure health benefits, VA eligibility and enrollment, federal and state VA benefits, filing claims, and more. Toxic exposure screening will be available. Veterans should bring a copy of their DD-214.
Special sessions: People can attend special briefings on the PACT Act, a law passed in 2022 that expanded benefits for veterans with toxic exposure. Those sessions will be held at 1, 3 and 5 p.m.
Additional information event: Another informational event and screening will be held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. May 13 at the Brownsburg VA Clinic, 557 Pit Road, Brownsburg.
