Veterans are starting to see changes brought about by the newly signed PACT Act, which expands health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. The VA of New Jersey held events across the state on Wednesday to connect with those who are eligible, while also marking the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, where so many of those soldiers were first exposed to toxic substances.
“Here in New Jersey, we have over 100,000 eligible veterans that are not enrolled, and we want them to come get their services that they’ve earned, that they deserve, and get those screenings done early,” said Juliza Ramirez-Wylie, a veteran and associate director of the VA New Jersey Health Care System. “There are some cancers that are more prevalent among us who have been exposed to burn pits. We have to be a lot more mindful, we’ve got to do screenings earlier and when we have signs, we have to address them as soon as possible so that we can get the best treatment options.”
Danny DeChellis, a veteran of the first Gulf War, said, “When I came back, I right away start[ed] having trouble with my joints. That was the first thing I felt. And then, obviously, PTSD and all of that. Ever since then, I’ve had issues. Anytime I get sick, my lungs, always hits my bronchioles. I always get an infection … There’s a lot of questions that haven’t been answered that I’m looking for answers.”
