If you are or know a veteran...READ THIS!

Dear John,

We just wrapped up a big week in Congress where we passed legislation addressing everything from marriage equality to improving housing for our servicemembers. As we continue to work on our community's priorities, I wanted to check in and share information specifically pertaining to the veterans in our lives.

Many of you know that I'm a third-generation veteran, and I'm joined by over 42,000 other veterans in Chester and southern Berks Counties. To every veteran and those who care for them, I want to stress the importance of the Honoring Our PACT Act. This monumental piece of legislation was signed into law earlier this year and is the biggest expansion of benefits for veterans in a generation—especially for those exposed to toxic chemicals and burn pits.

Houlahan Joins Meeting at Local American Legion

Houlahan hosts Honoring Our PACT Act roundtable at West Chester American Legion

Earlier this year, I met with various American Legion Post Commanders, veterans, and veterans' advocates to talk about the Honoring Our PACT Act. Following that meeting, I sent a letter to the VA Secretary encouraging a robust public awareness campaign to share the benefits of this historic legislation—I'm glad to see we are taking the first steps to do so.

Tomorrow begins the VA's Honoring Our PACT Act Week of Action. As part of the Week of Action, events are being held in all 50 states to talk about care eligibility and enrollment. For Pennsylvanians, our event is happening at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center on Monday, December 12, 2022 from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. More information here.

If you cannot attend in person, there will be a livestream.

Massive Expansion of VA Health Care!

The Honoring Our PACT Act is the largest health care and benefit expansion in VA history! Thanks to the PACT Act, veterans will finally gain access to health care and benefits they earned.

What is the PACT Act? The PACT Act is a new law passed by Congress that expands VA health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. 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 era.

Learn about other presumptive conditions based on exposure to hazardous materials .

Who is eligible? Veterans with toxic exposures and veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11 eras. If you believe you may be eligible for VA health care coverage or benefits, the VA is encouraging you to apply now.

How can I apply? You can file a claim for PACT Act-related disability compensation or apply for VA health care now. If you were previously denied a claim related to toxic exposure the VA is also encouraging you to file a supplemental claim so your claim can be reviewed again.

You can file your claim here.

Note: The VA will begin to process PACT Act benefits starting in January 2023.

What if you have more questions? More information is available online through the VA website and by calling 800-698-2411.

Assistance is also available locally! Here are some helpful local contacts:

The Coatesville VA Medical Center, 610-384-7711

1400 Blackhorse Hill Rd, Coatesville, PA 19320

The Lebanon VA Medical Center, 717-272-6621

1700 S Lincoln Ave, Lebanon, PA 17042

Chester County Veterans Affairs, 610-344-6375

601 Westtown Rd #170, West Chester, PA 19382

Berks County Veterans Affairs, 610-378-5601

726 Cherry St, Reading, PA 19602

Houlahan Attends Chester County Veterans Legislative Breakfast

Houlahan Attends 2022 Chester County Veterans Legislative Breakfast

In November, I was honored to attend the Chester County Veterans Legislative Breakfast. I will continue to meet veterans where they are, including events like this one, to tell them all about the Honoring Our PACT Act, but I need your help. Share this information with the veterans in your life or have them contact my office to learn more about this historic legislation.

Be well and take care of one another,