Cleveland Reporter

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) encourages local veterans to visit www.va.gov/PACT to learn more about new benefits and care available to veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxins. The PACT Act is the largest expansion of health care and benefits for veterans in decades, with more than 3 million veterans eligible for new benefits. Congresswoman Brown is also sharing the word on social media and has put information about benefits on her website.

There’s no deadline to apply for PACT Act benefits. But if veterans file their PACT Act claim—or intent to file—by August 9, 2023, they may receive benefits backdated to August 10, 2022.

The PACT Act was signed into law by President Biden on August 10, 2022. Congresswoman Brown proudly voted for the legislation in the House of Representatives.

“I encourage all Northeast Ohio veterans to visit va.gov/PACT and see if you are eligible for new health care benefits. Millions who served are potentially eligible, including those who were denied past claims. If you apply by August 9, you may be eligible for additional benefits as well. Please contact the VA or my office for more information. We want you to receive the benefits you deserve. If you know a veteran who was exposed to Agent Orange, exposed to burn pits, exposed to dangerous toxins let them know the law has changed. The PACT Act is about keeping our promise to veterans and their families that when you serve our country, we will always be there for you,” said Congresswoman Shontel Brown.

The PACT Act adds to the list of health conditions that the Department of Veterans Affairs assumes are caused by exposure to these substances. This law helps us provide generations of Veterans—and their survivors—with the care and benefits they’ve earned.

The PACT Act will bring the following changes:

• Expands and extends eligibility for VA health care for Veterans with toxic exposures and Veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11 eras
• Adds 20+ more presumptive conditions for burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic exposures
• Requires VA to provide a toxic exposure screening to every Veteran enrolled in VA health care
• Adds more presumptive-exposure locations for Agent Orange and radiation
• Helps improve research, staff education, and treatment related to toxic exposures

Original source can be found here.