The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), Outreach, Transition and Economic Development (OTED) will host a three-hour virtual symposium on The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act—possibly the biggest expansion of Veterans benefits in history—from 1-4 p.m. ET on Dec 16.

The PACT Act, which was signed into law on Aug. 10, empowers VA to provide much-needed benefits and care to generations of Veterans who were exposed to toxic fumes and other environmental hazards while fighting for our country. From the Vietnam era and Gulf War era to post-9/11 eras, this law addresses and expands eligibility for benefits and health care for Veterans.

This virtual symposium will explain what is in the law, what specific VA benefits and services are available now, and how to assist Veterans and other eligible survivors on how they can apply for benefits.

Topics

  • A general overview of the PACT Act and presumptive conditions
  • A discussion on medical aspects of toxic exposure
  • A presentation on how to apply for benefits, specifically VA disability compensation
  • A demonstration on how to apply for benefits online via VA.gov
  • A discussion of survivor benefits
  • An overview of access to VA health care
  • An overview of Vet Centers
  • An explanation of measures aimed at preventing fraud involving PACT Act benefits
  • A listing of upcoming outreach initiatives regarding the PACT Act

Presenters from the Veterans Benefits Administration and Veterans Health Administration will answer your questions about what the PACT Act means for you and your loved ones.

Please note that while this symposium is directed to Veterans and their families, VA employees, members of Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), other Veteran-centric organizations and anyone interested in this topic are welcome to attend.

You can attend the symposium virtually or join by telephone at 1-404-397-1596, Access Code: 2763 374 0710.

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12 Comments

  1. Charles, L. Walker December 30, 2022 at 21:20

    Sence last year: 2021 and even in 2020, I’ve been clicking on links that addressed matters of the Pact Act. Never receive any direct-feed-back, not even on My Health Net., with VA.? Is their a better plain of approach to receive our needed information to make sure we are not being missed. The Important Notes our Primary Cary Dr., in-puts to the patient log, on my medical visits; will they be recognized for this matter? As the Pact Act comes into effect. Since we are told it finally has.

    Thank you all for your concern of us prior service: Vets. And help those please,,, still on duty assignments being attacked by all these ailments. For that-we appreciate you-Much more than our words say.

  2. Nevah Bartram, LCSW, MS December 20, 2022 at 23:23

    Was any part of the symposium taped?

  3. Randy S. Owens December 20, 2022 at 16:48

    Please keep me updated on all related info,Thank You

  4. Mary Jane turcotte December 20, 2022 at 15:36

    Does this includewomen stationed at Ft. McClellan, AL with the Chem School?

  5. Veronica Rena Chaney December 20, 2022 at 12:59

    I missed the symposium but wanted to share that I was denied compensation for my exposure to burn pits and missed my deadline to appeal because I had appointments scheduled that were after the deadline. It was so disheartening

  6. Darlene Kelly December 16, 2022 at 21:03

    My husband died from prostate cancer and brain cancer. I currently get DIC. He was in the burn pits in Vietnam.
    He was stationed at camp Pendleton, but I have also
    read that the water there was also contaminated. Can I get any additional benefits
    Thru the PACT Act?

  7. Rock December 16, 2022 at 17:28

    Filing claims with the VA is a waste of time . They have you run through hoops knowing .

    • Randy S. Owens December 20, 2022 at 17:08

      You are correct, Took me 7 yrs to win first 10% w/out a layer, just last month, won 2 claims w/atty representation. ( up to 30% service connection ) yes they gave me back pay/ & still owe me some. IT IS A LONG DRAWN OUT PROCESS,HOWEVER, STAY THE CORSE, & KEEP YOUR PAPERWORK ORGANIZED. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU SEEK ATTORNEY HELP. i,e. THE WHOLE PROCESS IS VERY DISCOURAGING AT BEST/IF YOUR IN THE RIGHT, STICK TO YOUR GUNS, You have my prayers I wish i could do more to assist you. i’ve been dealing w/ this claims process since the 90’s just do not give up. That is how they will beat us. wish you well, R, Owens

  8. Anthony Lieb December 16, 2022 at 15:04

    It’s about time.i put in a claim for exposure to burn pits.file a presumptive claim because the outside of both lungs have plural plaque…..denied by va.maybe I an get some help know.sgt lieb 101st airborneairassualt.desert shield/desertstormcombat veteran.

  9. ROBERT HENCK December 16, 2022 at 14:47

    time now 2:45 PM I have just given up onmthis. Just a waste of time for me. Can t satisfy your requirements to get it going.
    Just some more of “the system” locked out against we older veterans. Sure leaves me frustrated!!!

  10. M. McCracken December 15, 2022 at 19:41

    My spouse passed in 2007, I was granted DIC in that year, which all of us survivors are painfully aware, DIC was not monetary until circa 2 years ago and only then in part. When the PACT Act was signed I researched records and discovered my spouse spent time at Camp Lejeune possibly creating even one more reason for my survivor benefits. I would like to know if the PACT act benefits, will possibly award monetary DIC from the actual date of death now and if survivors will be entitled to the death gratuity of $100,000 tax free awarded now only to the survivors of recent military actions?

  11. Gartharie Broadie December 15, 2022 at 14:19

    Which location will the PACT act team be hosting a briefing? City and State I would like to attend.

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