Veterans: Are You Getting All the Benefits You Deserve?

For veterans, understanding the ever-shifting legal terrain can feel like navigating a minefield. New laws and amendments constantly reshape the benefits, healthcare, and employment opportunities available to those who served. How can veterans stay informed and ensure they receive the support they deserve in 2026?

Sergeant Major (retired) Anya Petrova thought she had it all figured out. After 22 years in the Army, including two deployments to the Middle East, she transitioned to civilian life in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2023. She secured a job as a project manager at a construction firm downtown and enrolled in a master's program at Georgia Tech, using her GI Bill benefits. Life was good—or so she thought.

Then, in early 2025, Anya started experiencing severe respiratory problems. Constant coughing, shortness of breath, and debilitating fatigue plagued her daily life. Her doctor initially dismissed it as a lingering cold, but when her symptoms worsened, she sought a second opinion. After a battery of tests at Emory University Hospital Midtown, she received a diagnosis: constrictive bronchiolitis, a rare and serious lung disease. The cause? Likely exposure to toxic substances during her deployments.

This is where Anya's troubles truly began. She knew about the PACT Act, signed into law in 2022, which expanded healthcare and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxins. "I remember seeing the news reports," Anya told me over coffee last week. "I thought, 'That's great for those guys,' but I never considered it would affect me."

Anya's initial claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) was denied. The reason? Insufficient evidence linking her condition to her military service. The VA required proof that her constrictive bronchiolitis was directly caused by her exposure to toxins in the Middle East. This is a common hurdle for veterans seeking benefits related to toxic exposure. As of 2023, the VA had only granted about 40% of PACT Act claims [VA.gov].

Navigating the VA system can be a bureaucratic nightmare, even for someone as disciplined and resourceful as Anya. The sheer volume of paperwork, the complex regulations, and the often-lengthy wait times can be overwhelming. That's why understanding the current legislation affecting veterans is so critical. It isn't just about knowing what benefits are available; it's about knowing how to access them. And here's what nobody tells you: the VA is often understaffed and overworked, leading to delays and inconsistencies in claim processing. Don't take the first "no" as the final answer.

Fortunately, Anya didn't give up. She sought help from the Veterans Law Organization, a non-profit organization in Atlanta that provides free legal assistance to veterans. I've worked with the VLO on several pro bono cases and have consistently been impressed by their dedication and expertise. They assigned her a lawyer, Sarah Chen, who specialized in PACT Act claims.

Sarah immediately went to work, gathering additional evidence to support Anya's claim. This included obtaining Anya's military service records, medical records from Emory, and expert testimony from a pulmonologist who specialized in constrictive bronchiolitis. She also researched relevant case law and VA regulations to build a strong legal argument.

One of the key pieces of evidence Sarah uncovered was a 2024 study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that found a statistically significant correlation between exposure to burn pits and the development of respiratory illnesses, including constrictive bronchiolitis [NIH.gov]. This study provided crucial scientific support for Anya's claim.

Sarah also helped Anya connect with other veterans who had similar experiences. Through a support group, Anya learned about the VA's Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry, a database where veterans can document their exposure to burn pits and other airborne hazards. Although the registry is not direct proof of causation, it can provide valuable information to the VA and help support a veteran's claim.

After months of tireless effort, Sarah filed a supplemental claim with the VA, presenting the new evidence and legal arguments. This time, Anya's claim was approved. She was awarded disability benefits, retroactive to the date of her initial claim. She also gained access to specialized medical care at the Atlanta VA Medical Center on Clairmont Road.

But the fight wasn't over. Anya's disability rating was initially set at 30%, which Sarah believed was too low, given the severity of her condition. She appealed the decision to the Board of Veterans' Appeals, arguing that Anya's disability rating should be increased to at least 70%. After a hearing in Washington, D.C., the Board agreed with Sarah's argument and increased Anya's disability rating to 80%. This significantly increased her monthly benefits and provided her with additional support.

Anya's case highlights the importance of understanding the legislation affecting veterans and the resources available to help them navigate the VA system. The PACT Act, while a significant step forward, is not a guarantee of benefits. Veterans must still provide evidence to support their claims, and they may need to appeal adverse decisions. And this is why having a knowledgeable advocate is so important. I had a client last year who was denied benefits for PTSD, despite having clear evidence of combat exposure. It wasn't until we brought in a psychiatrist to provide expert testimony that the VA finally approved his claim.

Several other pieces of legislation are currently being debated in Congress that could further impact veterans' benefits and healthcare. For example, the Veterans Education and Training Improvement Act of 2026 aims to modernize the GI Bill and expand educational opportunities for veterans. The Veterans Housing Affordability Act of 2026 seeks to address the growing problem of homelessness among veterans by increasing access to affordable housing. Staying informed about these legislative developments is crucial for veterans and their families.

The VA also offers a variety of resources to help veterans understand and access their benefits. The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) provides information on disability compensation, pension, education benefits, and home loan guarantees. The National Center for PTSD offers resources and support for veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder. And the VA's website, VA.gov, is a comprehensive source of information on all things related to veterans' benefits and services.

Anya's story has a happy ending. She is now receiving the benefits and medical care she deserves. She is also using her experience to help other veterans navigate the VA system. She volunteers at the Veterans Law Organization, sharing her story and providing support to other veterans who are struggling to access their benefits. She's even considering a career change, maybe going to law school herself. "I want to be a voice for those who can't speak for themselves," she says.

The key lesson here? Don't give up. The system is complex, and the process can be frustrating, but with persistence, knowledge, and the right support, veterans can access the benefits they have earned. And remember, you are not alone. There are countless organizations and individuals dedicated to serving those who served our country.

It's also important to bust common myths about VA benefits to ensure you are getting accurate information. Many veterans miss out on benefits simply because they believe misinformation.

Anya's story teaches us that staying informed about legislation affecting veterans is not just about knowing your rights, but about actively pursuing them. Don't wait—research the PACT Act and its implications for your health and benefits today. It could change your life.