In August 2022, Congress passed the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act, known as the PACT Act. This new law signified the most expansive extension of VA health care and benefits in more than 30 years for veterans who were exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances during their service.1,2 In addition to striving for better care, the PACT Act also requires the VA to conduct new studies to better understand health trends in post-9/11 veterans and those who served in the Gulf War, and directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop a 5-year strategic plan on toxic exposure–related research.2
