As a part of a nationwide week of PACT Act awareness events from VA, Robley Rex VA in Kentucky recently welcomed Veterans, family members and caregivers from across the region seeking more information on the newly enacted law.

Over 130 Veterans attended the event. They had the opportunity to speak with hospital leadership, enroll for benefits, file a claim with the Veterans Benefits Administration and be screened for conditions under the PACT Act.

Woman directs Veteran to event

Getting directions to the PACT Act event

Clear that Veterans want to know about new critical law

The historic new law expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. Veterans spanning the Vietnam, Gulf War and Post-9/11 eras benefit from over 20 new presumptive conditions that are now covered under the law.

“The response from our Veterans for the event was overwhelming,” Chief of Staff Dr. Paul Sklena said. “It’s clear our Veteran community wants to know more about this critical new law and getting the word out regarding these benefits is imperative. Our Veterans have sacrificed so much for our country and the time has finally come for them to receive the health care that is owed to them.”

176,000 Veterans have applied for benefits since the summer

Passed in July, the PACT Act represents the largest expansion of VA benefits since the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill was enacted in 2008. Officially titled the “Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act,” the law represents years’ worth of lobbying from Veterans and advocates to properly address burn pit exposures for an estimated 3.5 million affected Veterans.

So far, roughly 1,100 claims have been submitted locally under the PACT Act. Since the summer, more than 176,000 Veterans nationally have applied for VA benefits while officials expect this number to approach 500,000.

Veterans who couldn’t attend Tuesday’s event are encouraged to speak to their primary care provider about getting screened. You can also visit www.VA.gov/PACT or call 800-698-2411 (TTY: 711).

Topics in this story

PACT Act

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One Comment

  1. Neglected Cold War Veteran December 22, 2022 at 00:26

    This article is difficult to read because it is a faint color on a similar color background. You need BLACK font color on white background for higher contrast.

    Next, it is no good just telling us WHAT HAPPENED, rather, telling us BEFORE THE EVENT to let us know it WILL take place in the future.

    This article never tells us the first thing beyond the awkward name of the PACT ACT. For example, I am a Cold War Kentucky Air National Guard member, yet, we cannot even get a VA card and we are treated as if we NEVER served in the military. While I am glad to hear that for Veterans since 2001, there is an expansion of benefits, but NOT ALL VETERANS ARE TREATED EQUALLY. That must end.

    Also, the Ivy Tech Community College is fraudulently using BAIT AND SWITCH to force students onto their financially failing ANDERSON CAMPUS as a form of WIRE FRAUD, and the VA is covering up the many fraudulent crimes by Ivy Tech. I am sure that NO ONE CARES ABOUT THIS SITUATION.

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