A Message from Wright County Veteran Services:
The PACT Act was approved on Aug. 10, 2022. It is the largest healthcare and benefit expansion in the history of the Veterans Administration. At the time of its enaction, veterans were given one year to get the clock started on their ability to receive compensation. That deadline is coming Wednesday, Aug. 9.
If a claim is filed by Aug. 9, 2023, compensation will be calculated from Aug. 10, 2022 – giving the veteran or spouse of a deceased veteran a full year of compensation. Any claim filed on or after Aug. 10, 2023, compensation will be calculated starting from the day the claim is received by the VA. The difference between filing a claim on or before next Wednesday could mean the difference of several thousand dollars.
The PACT Act extends and expands eligibility for VA health care for veterans with toxic exposures, as well as for veterans who served in Vietnam, the Gulf War and post-9/11 eras. The PACT Act adds more than 20 more 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 for every veteran enrolled in VA health care; and helps improve research, staff education and treatment related to toxic exposures.
While the Aug. 9 deadline isn’t a closing door to file a claim, but it will maximize the amount a veteran or surviving spouse can receive. Veterans are encouraged to reach out to your county’s Veteran Services Department to assist in getting your claim filed.