Dear friend, I hope you are doing well. I want to share important, time-sensitive information regarding veteran’s benefits for those who were exposed to toxins, including burn pits, during their military service.
What is the PACT Act?
Last year, President Biden signed the PACT Act into law, an important bill I supported, which expanded VA benefits to veterans who were exposed to toxic substances, including veterans of the Vietnam era, Gulf War era, and post-911 era, making an estimated 3.5 million veterans eligible for additional benefits as a result of exposure to toxins during their service.
As you may know, prior to this law, for too many veterans, it was difficult to navigate the VA’s process for determining whether such exposure caused a service-related illness or condition.
Under the new law, certain conditions are now presumed service connected with exposure to toxic substances and could make an individual eligible for benefits. The law also streamlined the VA process for veterans applying and receiving earned benefits related to toxic exposures. With the PACT Act, enrolled veterans will receive a toxic exposure screening and a follow-up screening every five years. Those veterans who are not enrolled but are eligible can also receive a screening.
Since the PACT Act has been enacted, more than 665,000 veterans have applied for PACT Act benefits and the VA has already provided more than $1.4 billion in benefits. Additionally, more than 3.9 million veterans have received toxic exposure screening and more than 287,000 veterans are enrolled in VA health care.
Apply for Benefits by August 9th
The PACT Act became law on August 10, 2022. In order to receive any new benefits, you may be eligible for back to the date when the bill became law, veterans must submit their claims by August 9, 2023.
After August 9, 2023, Individuals can continue to apply for new PACT Act benefits they may be eligible for, but any benefits paid would only be prospective (i.e. only for months following the date on which benefits were approved by VA). Therefore, missing the August 9th deadline may mean you could miss out on months of benefits that you could be eligible for.
To apply or learn more, head to VA.gov/PACT or call 1-800-698-2411 (TTY: 711). Apply as soon as possible. Please help spread the word. If you know a veteran who may be eligible, forward this newsletter to them.
My Office is Here to Help
I was proud to vote in support of the PACT Act. I am so grateful for our veterans, who make sacrifices every day for our country and should be taken care of when they come home. I will continue working in Congress to ensure that each veteran receives the care and benefits they have earned. If you have any questions or need assistance, my staff is happy to help you; please don’t hesitate to call my district office at 414-297-1140.
