Calls by Tennessee veterans double after expansion of VA healthcare benefits

Kimberly Hughes, second from left, widow of U.S. Army Reserves Maj. Gary Hughes, embraces a supporter after a news conference after the Senate passed a bill designed to help millions of veterans exposed to toxic substances during their military service, Aug. 2 on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) Kimberly Hughes, second from left, widow of U.S. Army Reserves Maj. Gary Hughes, embraces a supporter after a news conference after the Senate passed a bill designed to help millions of veterans exposed to toxic substances during their military service, Aug. 2 on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

By Anita Wadhwani / Tennessee Lookout January 23, 2023 2 min read

More than 100,000 veterans in Tennessee may have been exposed to toxic substances during their military service and could be eligible for newly expanded healthcare benefits, according to the state’s department of veteran’s services.

In August, President Joe Biden signed the PACT Act into law, expanding Veterans Administration benefits for men and women who were exposed to Agent Orange, burn pits, radiation or other toxic substances during the Vietnam, Gulf War and post-9/11 eras.

Since then calls to a state veterans helpline have doubled — from an average of 500 calls each month to 1,000, Tennessee National Guard Gen. (Ret.) Tommy Baker told lawmakers Friday.

The workload of the state division that aids veterans in applying for benefits — or appealing denials of benefits — has increased by 30%, said Baker, who called it one of the most “impactful changes” the agency has experienced.