Veterans running up against PACT Act deadline

Pres. Joe Biden and Congress passed the PACT Act, or The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act. It was the biggest expansion of Veteran health care services in over 30 years. However, veterans are on a deadline to sign up to receive backdated compensation.

The PACT Act expands and extends eligibility for Veteran Affairs healthcare for veterans who may have been exposed to toxins in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War and post 9/11 eras. 

The act adds more than 20 presumptive conditions to its list to include exposure to burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxins. Typically when a veteran is diagnosed with a health condition they have to prove that it was caused by their time in service before VA healthcare will cover the medical costs. Under the new presumptive conditions, the VA will verify the veteran served in an area known to have these toxins and immediately approve care.

The VA is also offering toxin exposure screenings to every veteran enrolled in VA healthcare. 

In a press conference on Wednesday, John Keene, Commander and executive director of the Department of Colorado VFW warned veterans to seek the help of only VA-affiliated facilities. He warned that lawyers and other firms may promise a speedier process when filing for the PACT Act, but studies do not reflect that. Filing through a VA facility is free and usually more accurate, Keene said. 

In order to qualify for the benefits, a veteran has to have a diagnosis of one of the presumptive conditions in order to be eligible for benefits. If the veteran is unsure if they have a claim they talk to an accredited representative or file an intent to file a claim. This can be done online or via phone by calling 800-827-1000.

There is no deadline to file a claim, however, there is a deadline in order to receive retroactive payments that date back to when the act was signed on Aug. 10, 2022. 

Filing a claim could also mean benefits for veterans’ survivors.

The deadline to receive retroactive benefits is Aug. 9. VA officials recognize that the date if quickly approaching and accredited representatives may not be able to schedule an appointment with veterans in time. Officials encourage veterans to at least file an intent to file.