Joe Biden in Boston, New Hampshire today to talk health care for toxic burn pit exposure

Maya Marchel Hoff, USA TODAY
Updated ·2 min read
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President Joe Biden is traveling to New England on Tuesday to announce updates on the expansion of health benefits and services for veterans impacted by toxic exposures during military service, as well as attend campaign events.

Biden's first stop was at the Westwood Park YMCA in Nashua, New Hampshire to discuss recent expansions of the PACT Act, a law that expands access to health care and services for veterans who have experienced exposure to toxic substances and burn pits overseas.

More: Biden in NH: PACT Act is part of 'obligation' to veterans

Following the visit, the president traveled to Boston for two campaign events in the evening before heading back to Washington, D.C. According to WBUR, pro-Palestinian activists are expected to hold a rally outside of South Station in Boston in protest of Biden's backing of Israel during the Israel-Hamas war.

Comedian and activist Jon Stewart talks with Susan Zeier, mother-in-law of Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson, after U.S. President Joe Biden signs the PACT Act during a ceremony in the East room of the White House on August 10, 2022 in Washington, DC.
Comedian and activist Jon Stewart talks with Susan Zeier, mother-in-law of Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson, after U.S. President Joe Biden signs the PACT Act during a ceremony in the East room of the White House on August 10, 2022 in Washington, DC.

What is the PACT Act?

Initially signed into law in 2022 with bipartisan support, the PACT Act expands VA health services for veterans exposed to Agent Orange, burn pits and other toxic substances during military service. Formally named the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics after a decorated combat medic who died from a rare form of lung cancer, it is the most significant expansion of veteran's benefits since the Agent Orange Act of 1991.

The PACT Act allows veterans who were exposed to toxic substances to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits. Biden announced that more than 1 million PACT Act-related claims have been granted. According to the White House, more than 888,000 veterans and survivors are currently receiving new service-connected disability benefits.

Presumptive conditions caused by burn pit exposure include lung, kidney, brain and pancreatic cancer, as well as asthma and chronic bronchitis, according to the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs.

Alongside the health care enrollment expansion, the PACT Act also expanded eligibility to veterans exposed to toxic substances, including veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11 eras. The law also established toxic exposure screenings for all veterans enrolled in VA health care.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden in Boston and New Hampshire today to talk burn pits, PACT act