The passage of the PACT Act—The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022—marked a historic expansion of the federal government’s recognition of toxic exposures in military service. This landmark legislation broadened the scope of what constitutes exposure and significantly increased the number of presumptive conditions linked to service in Vietnam, the Gulf War, and post-9/11 deployments. As a result, many families are now making connections—some for the first time—between a veteran’s toxic exposure and the long-term health conditions experienced by their descendants. Importantly, there is no age limit for children of veterans to file a claim with the VA if they believe their health condition may be connected to a parent’s military service.

It is essential to understand that a condition’s exclusion from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ list of recognized birth defects or illnesses does not mean there is no link to military toxic exposure. It simply reflects that, at this time, the VA does not officially acknowledge an association between that condition and exposure during service. This can be a deeply discouraging reality for the many families who observe stark differences in the health of children born before and after a parent’s military deployment, especially among Vietnam-era veterans. These personal experiences are powerful, underscoring the urgent need for independent, comprehensive research into the transgenerational health impacts. This is precisely why passage of the Molly R. Loomis Research for Descendants of Toxic Exposed Veterans Act is so vital: to bring scientific clarity, accountability, and long-overdue answers to those affected.

It is also important to acknowledge that the impacts of military toxic exposure extend far beyond U.S. borders. Families and descendants around the world—particularly in Vietnam and other parts of Southeast Asia—continue to suffer the long-term consequences of exposure to herbicides, burn pits, and other hazardous substances used during war. While the mission of Descendants of Toxic Exposed Veterans is currently focused on advocacy, education, and support within the United States and its territories, we recognize the shared burden carried by communities globally. Scientific discovery, policy reform, and public awareness do not occur in isolation. By advancing research and legislative change here at home, we contribute to a broader ripple effect, laying the groundwork for a more informed, compassionate, and globally aware response to toxic exposure and the actual cost of war.

If you or a loved one has a health condition that you believe may be connected to a parent’s military toxic exposure—even if the condition is not currently recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)—it is strongly recommended that you file a claim with the VA and register with the National Birth Defect Registry. Several national veterans advocacy organizations echo this guidance. While approval is not guaranteed, submitting a claim serves two important purposes: First, a large volume of similar applications can help identify trends that inform future research and policy. Second, if the condition is ever recognized in the future, an earlier filing date may help establish eligibility for retroactive compensation. Although outcomes may vary, taking action now establishes a record and strengthens the case for long-overdue recognition.

If you have a birth defect currently recognized by the VA, it is crucial to work with a Veterans Service Officer (VSO)who has experience assisting children and descendants of veterans. Finding the right support may require persistence—many VSOs are unfamiliar with the unique needs of descendants, and sadly, misinformation is common. For instance, there are examples of birth defects other than the two most well-known forms of spina bifida, meningocele and myelomeningocele. (See links to court cases below.) Too often, individuals are discouraged to the point of giving up before receiving the benefits they are entitled to. Descendants of Toxic Exposed Veterans is working to compile and share a list of VSO contacts who are well-versed in these cases. In the meantime, we urge you not to give up. For qualifying birth defects, the VA offers monthly compensation, medical care, health insurance, and vocational training grants. Support is available—and you deserve access to it.

Click for VA info on paternal and maternal birth defects.                                                                                                                                                       Click for VA Form 21-0304