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VSOs and lawmakers press VA on PACT Act implementation and 'ending the wait' for toxic-exposed veterans
Summary
Disabled American Veterans and other service organizations urged faster implementation of PACT Act provisions, more transparency on scientific reviews and expanded presumptive coverage for toxic exposures; DAV cited a report finding veterans waited decades for presumptions in prior cases.
Disabled American Veterans and other veteran service organizations told a joint House-Senate hearing that implementation gaps in the PACT Act are leaving many toxic-exposed veterans without timely benefits and called for faster research, transparency and independent scientific review.
Commander Daniel Contreras, national commander of Disabled American Veterans, said DAV’s written testimony includes recommendations to expand research on toxic exposures and to create an independent scientific review process and a veterans advisory commission. He noted DAV’s joint report with the Military Officers Association of America that found veterans waited on average more than 34 years from exposure until VA established presumptive conditions.
The committee and witnesses discussed a provision of the PACT Act that requires the VA to hold quarterly engagements with veterans service organizations. Senator Moran asked whether those engagements were occurring and whether they delivered the information VSOs needed to advise the agency. Jim Marsalek, DAV national service director, responded that “the quarterly updates aren't occurring” in the form intended; VA meets with VSOs frequently but the groups “are not getting the information we really need.” He added that a study required on exposures at Fort McClellan began 30 months ago and has produced no substantive public updates.
Testimony emphasized two related implementation issues: transparency on studies that inform presumptive decisions, and timeliness. Contreras and DAV leaders urged Congress to pass legislation that would fund expanded research and set up an independent scientific review in order to shorten the period between exposure recognition and VA presumptions. "Veterans have been forced to wait on average more than 34 years after exposure before VA established presumptives," DAV said in testimony, calling the delay “a massive injustice.”
Lawmakers from both parties said passing the PACT Act was a major achievement but stressed that enactment is only the start. Senator Blumenthal and Representative Takano both urged continued VSO engagement and said oversight is required to ensure statutory promises translate into timely benefits and care. Several members sought more complete status reports from VA on studies, on how VA is using research to define presumptives and on opportunities for VSOs to participate.
Ending: DAV and other VSOs recommended immediate steps: expand federal funding for toxic-exposure research, create an independent scientific review to evaluate exposures and conditions, and establish a veterans advisory commission to accelerate presumptive decisions. They said Congress should monitor VA implementation closely and that the committees will press VA for more regular, specific briefings and data.
