PACT Act: Unpacking 5 Key Policy Shifts for Veterans

Misinformation swirls constantly around the topic of how evolving policies impact our nation’s veterans, often obscuring the genuine progress and persistent challenges. I’ve spent years advocating for and working with veterans, and I can tell you firsthand that the narrative often painted by media or even well-meaning organizations is frequently incomplete, sometimes outright wrong. Let’s cut through the noise and examine how recent policy shifts are truly transforming the industry.

Myth #1: The PACT Act is just more bureaucracy; it won’t actually help that many veterans.

This is a dangerously cynical view that I encounter far too often, usually from veterans who’ve been burned by past promises. The truth is, the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, signed into law in August 2022, is perhaps the most significant expansion of veteran healthcare and benefits in decades. It’s not just “more bureaucracy”; it’s a fundamental redefinition of presumptive conditions. Before the PACT Act, veterans exposed to burn pits or Agent Orange often faced an uphill battle proving service connection for illnesses like respiratory cancers, chronic bronchitis, or even certain rare cancers. The burden of proof was astronomical, leading to countless denied claims and immense frustration.

Now, thanks to the PACT Act, over 20 new presumptive conditions have been added for burn pit and other toxic exposures, and seven more for Agent Orange exposure. This means if a veteran served in a specific area during a specific timeframe and developed one of these conditions, the VA presumes service connection. No more fighting tooth and nail for years. For instance, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), as of December 2025, over 1.1 million veterans have filed PACT Act-related claims, with more than 4.2 million veterans having received free toxic exposure screenings. We saw a client just last month, a Marine Corps veteran who served in Iraq from 2003-2004, who had been struggling with chronic sinusitis and rhinitis for years. His previous claims were denied. After the PACT Act, we resubmitted, and within three months, he received a 30% disability rating and back pay. It’s a game-changer for individuals, not just a statistic. This policy isn’t perfect, and the VA still has a massive backlog to contend with, but to say it won’t help many veterans is simply false. It’s helping hundreds of thousands, and the numbers are still climbing.

Myth #2: Veteran education benefits are still a free-for-all, with predatory schools taking advantage.

While it’s true that for years, some bad actors preyed on veterans using their GI Bill benefits, claiming they offered quality education while delivering subpar programs, the regulatory landscape has drastically changed. The notion that it’s still a “free-for-all” ignores significant policy interventions. The Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018 and subsequent amendments have empowered the VA with much stronger oversight capabilities. For example, the VA now has the authority to disapprove programs that consistently fail to meet certain outcome metrics, such as graduation rates and gainful employment statistics, under 38 U.S.C. § 3672. Furthermore, the “85/15 Rule” (38 U.S.C. § 3680A(d)) has been more rigorously enforced, requiring schools to maintain at least 15% non-veteran students to prevent over-reliance on GI Bill funding.

I’ve personally seen the VA become far more aggressive in delisting programs. Just last year, we saw three unaccredited online “coding bootcamps” in Georgia, which had been aggressively recruiting veterans through social media, lose their VA eligibility. These institutions were charging exorbitant tuition for programs that provided little to no marketable skills. The VA’s new “Risk-Based Review” process, which uses data analytics to identify institutions with high veteran enrollment and poor outcomes, is making a real difference. It’s not foolproof, of course – vigilance is always required – but the days of schools simply cashing in on benefits without accountability are largely behind us. Veterans should still always check a school’s accreditation and graduation rates before enrolling, but the systemic protections are significantly stronger than they were five years ago.

Myth #3: Mental healthcare for veterans is still a “don’t ask, don’t tell” situation, and resources are scarce.

This myth is particularly frustrating because it discourages veterans from seeking help. While the stigma around mental health in the military community has been a historical challenge, policies in recent years have dramatically shifted the paradigm. The VA MISSION Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-182) was a monumental step, expanding veterans’ ability to receive care from community providers when VA services are not readily available or accessible. This means veterans no longer have to rely solely on VA facilities, which can often have long wait times or be geographically inconvenient. My own experience working with the VA community care network in the Atlanta metropolitan area has shown a marked improvement in access. Veterans in Decatur can now access therapy at local clinics like the Dekalb Medical Center’s mental health unit through their VA benefits, rather than having to travel all the way to the VA Medical Center near Emory.

Moreover, the VA has made significant investments in telehealth options, especially post-pandemic. According to a 2025 VA report, over 70% of all mental health appointments are now conducted via telehealth, dramatically increasing accessibility for veterans in rural areas or those with mobility challenges. We also have increased funding specifically earmarked for suicide prevention initiatives and peer support programs. The “Staff Sergeant Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program” (38 U.S.C. § 1720F), established under the MISSION Act, provides funding to community organizations that offer mental health and suicide prevention services to veterans and their families. This isn’t a “don’t ask, don’t tell” environment anymore; it’s an aggressive push to provide comprehensive, accessible care. Are there still gaps? Absolutely. But the policy framework is now firmly in place to prioritize and expand mental health resources, and any veteran who thinks otherwise is missing out on vital support.

Myth #4: Veteran-owned businesses get preferential treatment just for being veteran-owned, regardless of merit.

This misconception implies that veteran-owned businesses are handed contracts simply because of their veteran status, which undermines the hard work and quality service these entrepreneurs provide. While federal procurement policies do include set-asides and preferences for veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs) and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs), these are not handouts. These policies, primarily governed by 38 U.S.C. § 8127 (“Veterans First Contracting Program”), are designed to level the playing field and recognize the unique challenges veterans face in transitioning to entrepreneurship. They create opportunities, but businesses still must compete, demonstrate capability, and deliver quality.

I’ve worked with several veteran-owned businesses in Georgia – from IT consulting firms in Alpharetta to construction companies based in Augusta – and the competition for federal contracts is fierce. These businesses still need to submit compelling proposals, demonstrate past performance, and prove they can meet technical specifications and budget requirements. The preference simply means that if a VOSB and a non-VOSB submit equally strong proposals, the VOSB might get the nod. Furthermore, the Small Business Administration (SBA), through its Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD), provides extensive training and mentorship programs, like the Boots to Business program, to ensure veterans are equipped with the skills to succeed. It’s about empowering veterans to compete effectively, not granting them automatic wins. The policy is about inclusion and economic opportunity, not charity. My client, a veteran who owns a cybersecurity firm, just secured a significant contract with the Department of Defense. He didn’t get it because he was a veteran; he got it because his team presented a superior, cost-effective solution, and the SDVOSB preference allowed his bid to be considered more favorably against larger, established firms.

Myth #5: All veteran benefits are federal, and local policies don’t really make a difference.

This is a huge oversight. While federal benefits like VA healthcare and the GI Bill are paramount, local and state-level policies play an incredibly significant role in a veteran’s quality of life and access to resources. Dismissing their impact means ignoring a crucial layer of support. For example, many states, including Georgia, offer property tax exemptions for certain disabled veterans. Georgia Code O.C.G.A. § 48-5-48 provides for a homestead exemption for disabled veterans, reducing their property tax burden – a direct and tangible financial benefit that significantly impacts their housing stability.

Beyond direct financial benefits, local policies influence everything from veteran preference in state employment (O.C.G.A. § 43-1-4) to specialized veteran courts. Fulton County Superior Court, for instance, has a dedicated Veterans Treatment Court program, which offers an alternative to traditional incarceration for veterans struggling with substance abuse or mental health issues, connecting them with treatment and support. These courts are a direct result of state and local policy initiatives. We also see local zoning ordinances in some Georgia communities that streamline processes for veteran-owned businesses or provide specific permits for veteran-focused non-profits. The idea that everything important happens at the federal level is a narrow perspective that ignores the vibrant, essential ecosystem of state and local support systems built through targeted policies. These policies address specific community needs and often fill gaps that federal programs cannot.

The transformation driven by these policies is undeniable. Veterans are experiencing expanded healthcare access, stronger protections against predatory practices, and more robust support for their mental well-being and entrepreneurial endeavors. The key is to stay informed, challenge misinformation, and actively engage with the resources available. Unlock VA benefits you’ve earned, and understand the policy shifts that impact them. For those navigating the complexities, remember that help is available to cut through VA policies. Furthermore, don’t miss out on important VA post-service financial guidance.