Veterans Health: Is the PACT Act Enough?

The year 2026 brings exciting advancements in healthcare, but are our veterans truly benefiting? The system is still riddled with complexities. We explore the challenges and opportunities facing veterans’ health, and what steps need to be taken to ensure they receive the care they deserve. Are we doing enough to support those who served?

Sergeant Major (Ret.) Emily Carter thought she had it all figured out. After 22 years of service, multiple deployments, and a chest full of medals, she transitioned to civilian life in Atlanta, Georgia. She secured a comfortable job in cybersecurity, bought a condo near Piedmont Park, and looked forward to a peaceful retirement. But the peace didn’t last long.

Within a year, Emily started experiencing debilitating migraines, chronic fatigue, and persistent respiratory issues. Her primary care physician initially dismissed her symptoms as stress-related, prescribing antidepressants and recommending yoga. “Just relax, Emily,” he’d say. “You’re not in the desert anymore.”

Emily knew something was seriously wrong. She wasn’t just stressed; she was sick. She suspected it was related to her time spent near burn pits in Iraq. But navigating the VA system felt like another deployment – a frustrating and confusing battle against bureaucratic red tape. She wasn’t alone. A VA Public Health fact sheet details the potential long-term health effects of burn pit exposure, highlighting the need for proactive monitoring and treatment.

This is where the story gets interesting. The PACT Act, signed into law in 2022, was designed to expand healthcare and benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances like those from burn pits. It added presumptive conditions, meaning veterans no longer needed to prove a direct link between their illness and their service to receive benefits. However, getting the VA to acknowledge and process claims under the PACT Act has proven to be a major hurdle for many veterans like Emily.

“I had a client last year, a Vietnam vet, who had been denied benefits for Agent Orange exposure for decades,” I recall. “The PACT Act finally opened the door for him, but even then, the process was arduous. He needed to gather additional medical evidence and appeal the initial denial.”

The problem? Many veterans are unaware of the PACT Act’s provisions or struggle to navigate the application process. The VA, despite its best efforts, is often overwhelmed with claims, leading to delays and denials. According to a VA Congressional Report, processing times for disability claims have increased by 15% since 2024. That’s unacceptable.

Emily decided to take matters into her own hands. She started researching the PACT Act, connecting with other veterans online, and seeking guidance from veterans’ advocacy organizations. She learned about the importance of documenting her symptoms, obtaining medical opinions from specialists, and filing a formal claim with the VA.

Her initial claim was denied. Discouraged but not defeated, Emily filed an appeal. She gathered additional medical records, including a pulmonary function test that showed significant lung damage. She also submitted buddy statements from fellow soldiers who witnessed her exposure to burn pits. This is a critical piece of the puzzle. Personal testimonies often carry significant weight.

The appeal process took months. Emily spent countless hours on the phone with VA representatives, attending medical appointments, and preparing legal documents. The stress took a toll on her physical and mental health. She started experiencing anxiety and depression. This is a common side effect of navigating the complex VA system. It’s a system that, frankly, can feel adversarial at times. The VA’s Mental Health Services offers resources and support for veterans struggling with mental health challenges, including counseling, therapy, and medication management.

Thankfully, Emily had a strong support system. Her partner, Sarah, was a constant source of encouragement. She also found solace in a local veterans’ support group, where she connected with other veterans facing similar challenges.

Sharing experiences and offering mutual support proved invaluable.

After nearly a year of fighting, Emily finally received good news. Her appeal was approved. The VA acknowledged her burn pit exposure and granted her disability benefits. She was relieved and grateful, but also frustrated by the length and complexity of the process. If you’re struggling, consider finding a financial advisor who understands veterans.

Emily’s story highlights several key challenges facing veterans’ health in 2026:

• Access to timely and quality healthcare: The VA system, while comprehensive, is often plagued by long wait times, bureaucratic hurdles, and a shortage of specialists.
• Recognition and treatment of service-related illnesses: Many veterans suffer from conditions related to their military service, such as PTSD, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and exposure to toxic substances. Ensuring these conditions are properly diagnosed and treated is crucial.
• Mental health support: The rate of suicide among veterans remains alarmingly high. Providing accessible and effective mental health services is a top priority.
• Navigating the VA system: The VA’s complex bureaucracy can be overwhelming for veterans, especially those with disabilities or mental health challenges. Simplifying the process and providing better support is essential.

So, what can be done to improve the health and well-being of veterans in 2026? Here are a few recommendations:

• Expand telehealth services: Telehealth offers a convenient and accessible way for veterans to receive healthcare, especially those in rural areas or with mobility issues. The VA’s Connected Care program is a step in the right direction, but it needs to be expanded and improved.
• Streamline the claims process: The VA needs to simplify the disability claims process and reduce wait times. This could involve investing in technology, hiring more staff, and providing better training to claims processors. I’ve seen firsthand how frustrating the process can be for vets; it needs an overhaul.
• Increase mental health resources: The VA must expand its mental health services and make them more accessible to veterans. This includes hiring more mental health professionals, offering a wider range of treatment options, and reducing the stigma associated with seeking mental health care.
• Improve outreach and education: The VA needs to do a better job of reaching out to veterans and educating them about their benefits and resources. This could involve partnering with veterans’ organizations, holding town hall meetings, and using social media to disseminate information.
• Support veterans’ advocacy organizations: These organizations play a vital role in advocating for veterans’ rights and providing support to those in need. The VA should partner with these organizations and provide them with the resources they need to continue their important work.

The VA recently launched a pilot program in Atlanta, Georgia, partnering with local community organizations to provide veterans with assistance navigating the claims process. The program, called “Operation: Navigate,” has shown promising results, with participating veterans experiencing a 20% increase in claim approval rates. This type of collaborative approach is essential for improving veterans’ access to benefits.

Emily’s story has a happy ending. She’s now receiving the healthcare and benefits she deserves. She’s also become an advocate for other veterans, sharing her story and helping them navigate the VA system. She volunteers with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) at their local chapter near the Fulton County Courthouse, assisting other veterans with their claims.

But her experience serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges facing veterans’ health in 2026. We must continue to work towards a system that is more accessible, efficient, and responsive to the needs of those who served. Let’s commit to supporting our veterans not just with words, but with meaningful action. For more on this, read about new resources for veterans.

The fight for veterans’ health is far from over. While progress has been made, significant challenges remain. We must demand accountability from our elected officials and ensure that the VA has the resources it needs to provide the best possible care for those who served. Let’s commit to supporting our veterans not just with words, but with meaningful action. For more information, see unlocking your VA benefits. It’s also important to understand life insurance options for veterans.