BELLEFONTE – U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson on Tuesday encouraged all eligible veterans to enroll with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare and file their claim as soon as possible for benefits established through the passage of the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our PACT Act (PACT Act).
The PACT Act, which Thompson supported, was signed into law last August. The legislation expands and extends eligibility for permanent VA healthcare and benefits for the millions of veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances.
While this law represents the largest expansion of VA benefits in decades, millions of veterans have yet to file their claims.
“As an Army dad, I am proud to support our service members and veterans, making sure they are getting the adequate services they deserve,” Thompson said.
“The PACT Act improves access to health care and benefits our veterans earned through their service. I encourage all eligible veterans to apply before the Aug. 9 deadline to ensure they receive their much-deserved benefits.”
Veterans and survivors must file their claim before Aug. 9, 2023, to be eligible for retroactive compensation backdating to Aug. 10, 2022, the date the bill was signed into law.
Under the PACT Act, veterans previously denied a toxic-exposure-related claim can file a new claim for the VA to review.
Active-duty military personnel may also file a claim if they are within 180 days of discharge.
For more information on how to apply, visit VA.gov/PACT or by calling 1-800-MY VA 411.
Constituents may also contact Rep. Thompson’s office at 814-353-0215 or by visiting Thompson.house.gov for additional assistance.
