Since September 11, 2001, military servicemembers who have deployed worldwide to carry out various strategic missions may have been exposed to various airborne hazards containing contaminants or toxic substances. These airborne hazards could have included smoke and fumes from open burn pits, sand, dust, particulate matter, general air pollution, fuel, aircraft exhaust, and smoke from oil well fires. Exposure to any of these hazards may lead to your Veteran spouse experiencing negative health effects.
The PACT Act and Veterans’ Compensation
The PACT Act is a law that expands VA Health Care and benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. As a Veteran’s spouse, it’s important to know of potential health conditions that could arise from exposure to airborne hazards and open burn pits so you can be prepared to support and protect your Veteran from things that may aggravate their condition.
You can start to support your Veteran by educating yourself on the VA disability compensation available for servicemembers who have been exposed to airborne hazards and burn pits. VA disability compensation offers a monthly tax-free payment to Veterans who got sick or were injured while serving in the military and to Veterans whose service made an existing condition worse. Here are three ways to ensure your Veteran receives the care and attention they need:
- Familiarize yourself with Military Exposures to help identify chemical, physical, or environmental hazards your Veteran may have been exposed to.
- Research on how to file a VA claim and what Veteran Service Organizations (VSO) you can seek out to assist in the process.
- Determine if your Veteran is eligible for VA Health Care and ensure they have applied for VA Health Care so that they can seek treatment.
VA Benefits for Veterans
In addition to disability compensation, there are many other VA benefits that a post-9/11 Veteran may be entitled to, including eligibility for VA life insurance and, in certain situations, your insurance premium may be waived; education and training; home loans; Veteran Readiness and Employment; and burial.
Often, Veterans are too proud to seek assistance or to file for the benefits they deserve. As their spouse, you can be their biggest advocate in seeking their entitlements. It’s important to know what benefits they are entitled to and to be willing to speak up for your Veteran to get the appropriate compensation. You've served alongside your servicemember throughout their military career and these benefits can turn into potential survivor benefits for you upon their passing.
To learn more about military benefits and entitlements, subscribe to access premium content in the AAFMAA Learning Hub, where you can stay informed on issues important to the Veteran community. Purchasing AAFMAA life insurance for your spouse and you can also provide more peace of mind for your financial future. AAFMAA Membership includes our hallmark Survivor Assistance Services at no additional cost.
If you are concerned that your Veteran spouse may not qualify for medical reasons, we have policies to fit nearly every situation, including guaranteed acceptance policies with no medical underwriting. Contact an AAFMAA Member Benefits Coordinator at 800-522-5221, option 2, then option 2 again, or [email protected] to learn more and find out what your family is entitled to receive.to learn more and find out what your family is entitled to receive.