Correcting Guam’s History in the PACT Act

This bill broadens who can get VA benefits for illnesses linked to certain herbicides (like those used during past military operations). It says that veterans who served in Guam or its nearby waters from August 15, 1958, through July 31, 1980, and who have certain listed diseases, are presumed to have gotten sick because of their service. This presumption makes it easier to qualify for health care and disability payments from the VA. The change updates existing law by moving the start date for Guam service back from January 9, 1962, to August 15, 1958. The bill makes this change by amending the section of federal law that covers herbicide exposure, keeping American Samoa referenced but specifying the new Guam dates in the text.

Key points:

• Who is affected: Veterans who served in Guam or its territorial waters and later developed certain herbicide‑linked diseases.
• What changes: The eligible service window for Guam starts earlier, now August 15, 1958, through July 31, 1980 (instead of starting in 1962).
• Why it matters: The presumption makes it easier for these veterans to receive VA health care and disability compensation for covered conditions.