PACT ACT Deadline Approaching for Veterans Exposed to Toxic Chemicals to Receive Retroactive Benefits
August 1, 2023
The deadline for veterans exposed to toxic substances to apply for back pay from the PACT Act is approaching on August 9. The law helps provide generations of veterans and their survivors with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve.
Veterans and residents interested in more information are invited to attend an information session on Thursday, August 3 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. The Riverside County Veterans Services and Housing Workforce Solutions departments are hosting the session at 1325 Spruce St, Riverside, CA 92507.
The PACT Act was signed into law in 2022 and expands Veterans Administration (VA) health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. The PACT Act adds to the list of health conditions that are presumed to be caused by exposure to these substances.
The Sergeant First Class (SFC) Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics, known as the PACT Act, will bring these changes:
- Expands and extends eligibility for VA health care for veterans with toxic exposures resulting from the Vietnam War, Gulf War, and post 9/11 eras.
- Adds more than 20 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.
- Helps improve research, staff education and treatment related to toxic exposures.
Veterans can file a claim for PACT Act-related disability compensation online at https://www.va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez/introduction or get more information by calling 800-698-2411.
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