On November 7, the VA announced it will begin processing claims under the PACT Act on January 1, 2023. The PACT Act added more than 20 conditions, including some cancers, to the list of conditions presumed to be connected to a veteran’s service; reduced the evidence needed to support a finding by the VA that a veteran’s condition was caused by exposure to burn pits or other toxic substances; and simplified the claims process. Due to the increased number of benefit claims that have already been filed under the act, the VA has also decided to expedite the processing of claims by those with cancer or other terminal illnesses, and to continue to expedite claims of veterans with terminal illnesses and those who are at risk of or are experiencing homelessness.