Dear Neighbor,
Last year Congress passed the Honoring Our PACT Act, upholding our promise to take care of our veterans by expanding access to VA care and benefits for those who experience toxic exposures while serving overseas. Signed into law by President Joe Biden one year ago, this is largest expansion of VA benefits in 30 years.
UPDATE: The VA has extended the deadline for veterans to submit their intent to file a claim to Monday, August 14, 2023, at 11:59pm EST, in order to receive benefits and compensation backdated to August 10, 2022!
It is important to note that there is no deadline to submit a PACT Act claim. However, those who begin the process of filing after August 14, 2023, will not receive any backdated benefits.
The PACT Act makes nearly 3.5 million veterans across the United States eligible for the care and benefits they earned without having to go through the arduous process of proving that their medical condition is connected to their military service.
- Expanding and extending eligibility for veterans with toxic exposures and veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War, and Post-9/11 eras
- Adding 20+ presumptive conditions for burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic exposures
- Adding presumptive exposure location for Agent Orange and radiation
- Requiring toxic exposure screenings for every veteran enrolled in the VA healthcare system
A surviving spouse, dependent child, or the parent of a veteran who died from a service-connected condition may also be eligible for benefits.
Veterans and their families can find more information on PACT Act benefits by visiting VA.gov/pact or by calling 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411) (TTY: 711).
As always, our office is here to help. Questions? Reach out to our Buffalo office at (716) 852-3501.
