In November 2022, Department of Veterans Affairs doctors started conducting toxic exposure screenings for their patients as the VA was implementing the PACT Act. Now, Military.com wants to hear from you, veterans, about your experiences getting screened.
What was the conversation with your doctor like? Were you given any follow-up information at the appointment or did anyone at the VA follow up with you after the screening? Did getting screened lead to any difference in care or benefits?
If you'd like to share your experiences, please fill out the form embedded below. Military.com may use the information provided in a future story or may reach out to you for more information. You are also welcome to reach out to me directly at rebecca.kheel@military.com. We are mindful of privacy concerns and will be able to keep your identity anonymous in our reporting if you'd like, but we will have to verify your identity.
The toxic exposure screening is a questionnaire VA doctors are supposed to go through with all their patients either during routine appointments or appointments specifically made for screenings. It is separate from the exam given to veterans filing a disability claim.
The three-part questionnaire asks veterans if they believe they were exposed to toxins during their military service, where they believe they were exposed, and whether they want any follow-up information from the VA about services related to toxic exposure.
Department officials have said they have conducted millions of screenings in the last couple of years, touting the screenings as a tool to enhance health care and benefits for toxic-exposed veterans.
The screenings were mandated by the PACT Act, the sweeping law passed in 2022 to expand health care and benefits to millions of veterans exposed to burn pits and other environmental hazards during their military service. In addition to the VA's fanfare in rolling out the screenings, lawmakers have encouraged veterans to get screened to ensure they are getting the right care.
Related: VA Starts Doing Toxic Exposure Screenings as Advocates Press for Medical Testing
