Two years after Biden signed the burn pits bill, sick veterans continue to fight

President Joe Biden announced a major milestone on Tuesday, revealing that more than one million claims had been approved by the VA under the PACT Act. This act, signed into law in August 2022, aims to provide healthcare and disability benefits to veterans and survivors who have been exposed to toxic fumes from burn pits during their service.

The president described the burn pits as large areas used for incinerating various materials, including tires, chemicals, and jet fuel, which emitted toxic smoke that affected the health of many troops. He personally believes that exposure to burn pits in Iraq led to the brain cancer that killed his son, Beau Biden, in 2015.

For Rosie and Le Roy Torres, the passage of the PACT Act is a significant victory after years of advocating for veterans suffering from diseases caused by burn pit exposure. Le Roy Torres, a retired Army veteran, was diagnosed with a rare lung disease and toxic brain injury after returning from Iraq.

Dr. Julie Tomaska, a retired Air Force veteran, also suffered from a rare lung disease caused by burn pit exposure and faced challenges in getting her claim approved before the PACT Act. She emphasizes the need for proper training and education for VA providers to ensure that veterans receive the care they deserve.

While the approval of over one million claims is a positive step, there is still work to be done to ensure that all veterans receive the care and compensation they need. The Torres’ and other advocates continue to push for better healthcare and support for veterans affected by toxic exposure, emphasizing that the fight is far from over.