Dear john,
If you’re a Veteran or a survivor, you can file a claim by August 9, 2023, for PACT Act-related benefits backdated to last August.
August 10th is the one-year anniversary of the Honoring our PACT Act, which expanded health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxins. I helped pass the PACT Act last year to support South Texas veterans.
Specifically, the PACT Act:
- Expands and extends eligibility for VA health care for Veterans with toxic exposures and Veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11 eras;
- Adds 20+ more presumptive conditions for burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic exposures;
- Adds more presumptive-exposure locations for Agent Orange and radiation;
- Requires the VA to provide a toxic exposure screening to every Veteran enrolled in VA health care; and,
- Helps improve research, staff education, and treatment related to toxic exposures.
You can file a claim as follows:
- Sign in or create an account at www.va.gov before you start the application to save your information and make the process easier.
- Start filling out your application via this link.
- Please note, starting your application reserves a potential start date to your benefits, and you must complete the form within a year.
- Prepare evidence for your claim, including VA or private hospital/medical records or supporting statements from those who have knowledge of your disability.
- Complete the form and save a copy of the confirmation message.
Applications are reviewed in the order they are received and processing may take longer depending on the details of your claim. The decision will be sent to you via mail.
For more information, please refer to these resources:
- For details on the PACT Act and eligibility, click here.
- For details on the PACT Act legislation, click here.
