Originally published: 2024-08-03T20:30:00+00:00. Historical source article: benefits, rules, amounts and deadlines may have changed. Check the official source for current information.
Amarillo VA recently passed the mark of 20,000 toxic exposure screenings, signifying a milestone in its mission to fulfill the goals of the PACT Act, a new law that expands VA health care benefits and eligibility for Veterans.
The PACT Act was signed into law on August 10, 2022, and expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxic substances. The law helps VA provide generations of Veterans—and their survivor—with the care and benefits they have earned and deserve. As of March 5, 2024, VA expanded health care to millions of Veterans, years earlier than called for by the PACT Act.
Due to the size of this expansion, Amarillo VA created a team of health care providers to ensure the program’s success.
“This milestone clearly illustrates our health care team’s dedication to providing timely, efficient, ethical, safe, compassionate and quality health care to Veterans,” said Dr. Rodney Gonzalez, director. “The PACT Act has helped us build a stronger health care team with a more skilled workforce to meet the growing demand for benefits and services. We quickly adapted to the new program and learned to focus our energy on taking care of our Veterans and work toward completion of our goals within the program. We want every enrolled Veteran to have a completed toxic exposure screening and clear line of communication with their primary care provider.”
Over 75% of Veteran population screened
Over 75% of our Veteran population has been screened, allowing our health care teams to consider each Veteran’s specific health requirements, including medical conditions considered for presumptive status under the PACT Act. Veterans who are not enrolled but who are eligible to enroll have an opportunity to enroll and receive a quick 5–10 minute screening to identify any potential exposures to toxins during their military service and connect them to additional resources if they have any concerns.
“Not only is it our goal to screen every one of our Veterans, but in five years we are going to screen them again to ensure no new health concerns or symptoms have developed,” said Bryan McCann, toxic exposure team lead. “As the registry grows and our knowledge on exposures, conditions and symptoms expands, we become better as an organization, benefiting not only Veterans but our staff, allowing us to improve what we do.”
“We want Veterans to have their experiences acknowledged.”
According to McCann, toxic exposure screening is something Veterans had been asking for before the PACT Act was signed into law. “The occupational environmental exposures they have had is one of the factors that make our Veteran population unique. This expansion ensures more people qualify for health services and makes it easier for a provider to endorse an exposure and get them the care they need.
“The team assists both Veterans and their providers by providing the ease of use, continuity and maturity needed within the program. We ensure the program continues to be meaningful, holistic and has a solid infrastructure to effectively connect Veterans with much needed resources,” McCann added.
Because of the team’s success, the relationship between Veterans and the Amarillo VA health care team has grown more positive, creating communities within VA with a solid foundation in effective care, support and whole health.
“We want our Veterans’ lives to be easier, to have their experiences acknowledged and provide as much care for them as possible,” said Gonzalez.
All Veterans enrolled in VA health care can receive a toxic exposure screening at an upcoming appointment or sooner by contacting a Toxic Exposure Screening Navigator.
All enrolled Veterans should receive the screening at least once every five years. Depending on your response, you may be connected to support and resources, including a review by your primary care team.
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Its Veterans is an independent publication and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government.
