President Biden signed the PACT Act into law on Aug. 10, and, between Dec. 10-17, VA hosted more than 120 events across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico to inform Veterans, their families and survivors about the PACT Act and to encourage them to apply for the health care and benefits they have earned.
During the week, VA hosted more than 120 PACT Act Week of Action events across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. At the events, Veterans applied for benefits, got screened for toxic exposures, enrolled in VA health care, and learned more about what the PACT Act could mean for them and their families.
A Veteran registering at a PACT Act Week of Action event.
President Biden summed up the Week of Action at a PACT Act Town Hall at the Major Joseph R. “Beau” Biden III National Guard/Reserve Center in New Castle, Delaware, saying, “Passing the PACT Act was the first step of making sure that we leave no one behind. I’m urging all Veterans of these decades of war to enroll in the VA health care to get screening for toxic exposure and to promptly file your claim.”
Secretary McDonough added, “There are millions of Veterans and survivors across America who are eligible for new health care and benefits, and we will not rest until every one of them gets what they’ve earned. That’s what this PACT Act Week of Action is all about: educating Veterans, their families and survivors—and encouraging them to apply today.”
Highlights from the PACT Act Week of Action
- Veterans getting the health care and benefits they deserve: During the Week of Action, more than 160,000 Veterans were screened for toxic exposures. Additionally, nearly 15,000 Veterans applied for PACT Act-related benefits—a nearly 40% increase over the previous week. In total, since President Biden signed it into law Aug. 10, more than 200,000 Veterans have applied for PACT Act-related benefits and more than 820,000 Veterans have received the new toxic exposure screenings, with nearly 39% reporting a concern of exposure.
- Veteran Advocates participating in the Week of Action: Countless leaders and Veteran advocates across the country participated in or promoted the Week of Action, including President Biden, Vice President Harris, Domestic Policy Advisor Susan Rice, Secretary McDonough, Deputy Secretary Remy, VA Chief of Staff Tanya Bradsher, Members of Congress, Veteran Service Organizations, state directors of Veterans Affairs, local elected officials, VA public servants, Jon Stewart, and many more. As a part of that effort, a bipartisan group of more than 85 Members of Congress (and their staffs) either promoted the event on social media or participated in events themselves; Representative Rueben Gallego, an Iraq War Veteran, got screened for toxic exposures.
- President Biden delivering remarks on the PACT Act: President Biden spoke about our nation’s sacred obligation to Veterans and their families, his Unity Agenda, and the PACT Act; his full remarks can be read here and viewed here. The President was preceded and introduced by Senator Carper, the last Vietnam Veteran serving in the U.S. Senate.
- Secretary McDonough delivering remarks on the five things Veterans need to know about the PACT Act: Secretary McDonough also spoke at the Week of Action event, focusing his remarks on the 5 things that Veterans and their families need to know about the PACT Act. His full remarks can be read here and viewed here.
- Jon Stewart releasing a PACT Act Public Service Announcement (PSA): Jon Stewart, who advocated for the passage of the PACT Act, posted a Week of Action video urging Veterans and their families to apply for the PACT Act benefits they’ve earned.
- Media covering the Week of Action: The Week of Action generated approximately 1,700 news articles and nearly 3,300 broadcast items about the PACT Act.
- Social media buzzing about the Week of Action: #PACTAct trended on Twitter, and the Week of Action helped drive a 75% increase in “PACT Act” google search interest week-over-week and a nearly 70% increase in PACT Act chatter on social media.
- Veterans visiting the website: va.gov/PACT received 580,000 visitors during the Week of Action, a 17% increase over the previous week. The website is VA’s one-stop-shop website for Veterans and survivors to learn about and apply for PACT Act-related care and benefits.
- Veterans calling VA to learn more about the PACT Act: VA’s call center (1-800-MYVA411) received more than 26,000 calls about the PACT Act during the Week of Action, a 10% increase over the previous week.
- VA launching new PACT Act Videos: VA released several new PACT Act videos, including a General PSA, a PACT Act Benefits PSA, and videos from the perspective of a Veteran, a doctor and a caregiver. These videos are a part of VA’s nationwide, targeted PACT Act advertising campaign, which is currently running across TV, streaming, radio, podcasts, YouTube, Google, Bing, Twitter, Facebook, Military Times, Military.com, USA Today, RallyPoint and more.
- VA releasing PACT Act materials in 10 languages: At the beginning of the week, VA released PACT Act flyers and information in 10 languages, including Arabic, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese.
The PACT Act Week of Action is just one component of VA’s nationwide PACT Act Veteran outreach campaign, which is the largest coordinated outreach campaign in VA history. The campaign has one goal: ensuring every eligible Veteran and survivor gets the PACT Act-related health care and benefits they have earned.
The PACT Act is the largest expansion of Veteran health care and benefits in decades. VA encourages all eligible Veterans and survivors to apply for their earned PACT Act-related health care and benefits now. Veterans and survivors can apply or learn more about the PACT Act by visiting VA.gov/PACT by calling 1-800-MYVA411.
Topics in this story
More Stories
The Medical Foster Home program offers Veterans an alternative to nursing homes.
Watch the Under Secretary for Health and a panel of experts discuss VA Health Connect tele-emergency care.
The 2024 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report provides the foundation for VA’s suicide prevention programs and initiatives.
Don’t expect anything to come out of this brief spat of rhetoric from the Government we worked for and trusted. Nobody here will get the answers they need . They will put off direction to your answers as long as possible. Take Agent Orange Nam Vets that have been known for decades and have received nothing and in my file I have only two mass mailing form letters. Other than that, nothing. Iam also connected to Camp Lejeune tainted water connection. Zero from our Govt. I’ve had cancer, I have kidney problems as well as a five-decade history of gut, migraines, with neuropathy problems. The VA didn’t even tell me my PSA scores were elevating. My wife’s health insurance told me about the cancer and I had to go out of VA to get my cancer treated.
So don’t hold your breath on any of this pipe dream coming true. Me, I’m just waiting to die.
I became a window of my husband a 100 % DISABLE VETERAN I have not work since 2012 I gladly had taken care of the love of my life FREDRICK LEWIS WEISE HE IS A GOOD MAN HE LOVED HIS TIME IN THE ARMY IN 1964 I JUST NEED A LEG UP SO I CAN CONTUUIE MY LIFE NOW THAT HES NO LONGER ON THIS EARTH I VOLTEER IN SANDWICH MA VERTERNS INPOWERMENT CENTER IT IS PART OF BOURNE MA JOINT BASE ARMY AIR FOURSE COAST GRAUD BASE HELPING VETERANS WHO ALSO NEED A BOAST UP IN TODAY WORLD PLESURE PLACE ME IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION SO I BE ABLE MAINTAIN MY BLESS LIFE WITHOUT MY FRED
Thank you for your wise insight, valuable perspective and willingness to share this vital information.
Wishing you a happy, successful and fulfilling new year.
Too bad I never heard about these events. Would have been nice to go. I’m trying to find out about nuclear exposure. I’ve had two cancers on the presumptive list, I worked around nukes, but was denied. There is a very specific list of things/places considered exposure, and working in the nuclear storage area is not on the list.
Those who have hired a lawyer to help them get paid for pain and suffering
Are being told that the reason for the delay is that the government has very slow getting the records to the lawyers
When will neurobehavioral aspects of pact act be addressed?my late husband was stationed at camp lejeune for 2 yr. Barracks & work in affected area.
I am an Agent Orange veteran with a 100% service related disability. Due to stroke-related paralysis, I was unable to personally visit your facilities to apply for PACT act benefits. I applied on line, and when ai submitted my application, your website failed to accept my application. I then contacted the 800 number you provided and was told that your website was not working correctly most likely due to weather. What do you suggest I do now?
I wonder if the Toxic Chemicals found at Camp Lejeune for over 3 decades are included as “Toxic Exposures”. After all the long time exposures at Camp Lejeune were via ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact ?
My husband passed away in July of 2020 with Lukemia from being sprayed with agent orange. He was diagnosed in 2009 and suffered until the day he died. I have been told that as his widow and sole caregiver all those years .that I may qualify for some type of money from the Pact Act or as his caregiver. His name was Alvin Klebs and he served 26 years in the army. I am striggling and could use any extra help. I since 2009.
Melda Klebs
Melda, please contact your nearest DAV office for help filing a claim: https://www.dav.org/find-your-local-office/
Pact Act suppose to compensate for Pancreatic Cancer “denied,” makes no sense. Served in the 1st Infantry Division.
1966-1967 burn pits outside behind our living quarters being a TENT, I never remember a flush toilet.
PS still getting treatment every four weeks. Now for the appeal process. Only been 55 years since I left that country.
How many years do I have left ?
so I misspelled (from not form) just fat fingered it
Yes I would love to comment on my care from the Veterans administration!
So far since the pact act was signed I haven’t personally or by mail have been told of any changes to my health care plan.
I have filed a claim for monetary benefits fr my disabilities in August of 2021 at a veterans VOP office in Bel Air Md. I have been called in for Blood pressure and hear tests. I’ve called my VOP office and l cannot find any info on my claim.
Now I’m probably stuck be hind the new PACT program Veterans?
radiation exposure in 1970 south pacific form atomic tests. still no records still classified .
So, the president signed the pact- act. Then why can’t we get compensated, for injuries and illnesses due to exposer to AG, Burn Pits, and any injuries that is a result of our service. Yeah, the care about us, bull.
I filed a claim in 2011 for Hypertension under the Agent Orange legislation and it was deemed “deferred” I filed again in Oct. 2022 under the new PACT
ACT. Because I filed previous to the PACT ACT passing, will my claim be reviewed before any new claims. The reason I’m asking is because my original
claim was approved only after waiting 13 months!
All these things per helping Veterans.But the V.A CareGivers Program.Has so many problems when you apply.The requirements by the V.A H.H does not work for the Veterans only for their own interest.
Now if only the average person could actually apply for the benefits. Typical government debacle.
This is BULLSHT!!!!!! Get ready for a long drawn out ordeal!!!!!! They hope you will give up before being compensated. I just went through testing only to be denied or deferred. Fcking Bullsht!! I didn’t defer or deny getting shot up with experimental crap and being exposed to sarin gas and other toxins. We went off to defend another country, not ours, another country and come back with ailments we have been complaining about since 1991 FCK YOU!!!!!!!!!!
The survivor of family veterans of wwII how to avail this benefits in behalf of my parents both deceased both never to receive any benefit at VA during their life time we are victims of immoral act of 1946 violation of human rights right to receive violation of labor law without compensation. The American government are most violentor on this world
no one contacted me about pact week signing up
I filled in 2014 symptoms are covered by Pact Act but was denied. If I refiled and get approved would it be back dated?
Well this sounds great but after reading vet comments more gov. BS and worth time to get turned down because not combat. Vet. Va doesn’t have enough. Help now.Tell president hire at VA not IRS.
I have stopped going..no walk ups..see
Primary see speialist see lab if lucky. 3-4 months will be dead before answer then bills.I letter saying taking SSI if don’t pay another showing paid
Off..havnt been in 2-3years.BS no body answers phones.Ill stop broken phone. Difficult..
And which agency will raise the money to fund all the changes that you feel entitled to receive?
This is great information, and it’s good to see the upgrade in benefits.
I serve in Europe from 1983 -1987, I like to know why Europe was not included in the Pact Act after the Chernobil disaster in April 26 1986, while Japan was include after the earthquake and tsunami that occurred in March 11, 2011. I hope my inquiry about this receive an adequate response due to many issues that are well documented in my military and VA records.
Sincerely,
Israel Diaz-Ortiz
I think Europe was not included is due to most of Russia (Chernobil) is in Asis.
I see phone number but how can one access necessary forms or services/ representatives/resources to actually apply/file a case? Please let me know. I’m having trouble with filing and getting a representative to assist.
Most county court houses have a veteran service officer, if not get in contact with local DAV ( Disabled American veterans group) they can assist you. Good luck
Received a reply from the V.A. Stating that they did not have anyone to review the PACT ACT and told me that they had discontinued the form, for Agent Orange, they had me fill out. Was told that the Prescott V.A. Had to handle the claim through the Agent Orange registry , I have been waiting years (since the mid 1980’s) and keep being delayed by “we need more forms filled out. V.A. Is incomplete in Arizona and with claims filed.
Still the same old VA, talk the talk, but no walk. The VA is the only place in the world that says prostrate cancer is not a reproductive cancer. Even congress has it right.
Sure a victory lap telling us the govt is so great look what we did. Only thing of any value is what website to visit, cause it would be a crime against their (govt) greatness to actually tell us what has changed you know like presumptive diseases, agent orange, diabetes you know what are the meat and potatoes. Instead they parade the cake and act like this is the greatest thing ever.
I am all for my fellow vets being take care of but VA is forcing Vets like me to use civilian Drs where there is no $50 copays everytime you turn around.
I was told about 3 years ago when I was first thinking about moving to the Philippines that I could get health care here in Manila or at a local hospital and they would pay for it but now they are saying that it’s only if I am disabled this is totally bullsht because I am a veteran who served my country honorably for 2 years in Vietnam
I applied for increased compensation in August 2022, I had my examination October 7th. I received a letter from the VA November 7th and they said they were evaluating my request. I’ve heard nothing since. When will I hear from the VA? It’s been 4 and a half months.
I was reviewed Oct 4, 2022
Just received notice of increase
The back pay helps
Sometimes it is worth it to be patient
Hang in there
I also applied in August. I talked to the VA in December. They said my claim appears to be valid and should be approved in January 2023. I believe the funding probably doesn’t start until then. If you are still waiting for decision you can call. It may take a few calls and being transferred around but you will be able to get an answer.
I was in the Vietnam war and I missed the action packed week.
Here is a smoking gun. VA’s largest contractor for health care describes their policy of deliberately declining PSA tests to Vietnam Veteran aged patients. Ironically, their acronym for this policy is PACT. They make no mention of Agent Orange, or PACT Act, yet it is impossible that any organization dealing with veterans would be so unaware. This seems to be the same as VHA policy as related to me at the VA Clinic.
Not much merit in VA aggressively advertising PACT Act if VHA is quietly discouraging testing for it.
https://valorhealthcare.com/reducing-inappropriate-use-of-psa-screening-for-prostate-cancer/
There’s an elephant in the room here. Vietnam vets were exposed to herbicides including Agent Orange. By law, and by science, this is a recognized cause of prostate cancer. These veterans are entitled to treatment and compensation for prostate cancer, yet VA physicians tell veterans who are over 70 years old which is virtually all Vietnam veterans, that “the guidelines” mean they don’t get a PSA test.
It’s time for VA to fix this and reach out to Vietnam vets.
I served my country as a helicopter pilot, surveiling our outposts, training new pilots coming in country amongst an unknown enemy in a sense what one might call “friendly fire that would progressively continue to destroy our health oblivious to our fate of puzzlingly unaware of the Agent Orange exposure.
That’s good VA Disability is taking care our Veterans, and there surviving spouse. We got to get the veterans help, they did not serve this country for us and come treat do not get any help. My husband whom passed in October this year, we always help our veterans and their families. It time to do more for our veterans.
I applaud the Pact Act. What I do question is the fact that veterans who did not serve in the combat theaters and have been exposed to asbestos, herbicides and pesticides do not qualify. Why are these veterans left without assistance? Even when we can verify a nexus, we are denied benefits.
From your first sentence, I could feel the top of my head popping off. I finished your comment and all I can say is, Bravo, Brother!
It’s cause the va is not here to help. I spent 2 hours on wait to try and get ahold of someone, anyone. I called regional, and national hotlines. Regional kept shuffling me to numbers that didn’t pick up, didn’t work (like disconnected), and didn’t even know how to transfer. For example I gave the national call center the region and name of the vha officer and the operator told me “I am a national call center operator I don’t do that”. This article above is full of things the va should already be doing as a standard part of their job. Not as look at what we are doing to help you. It should be them asking how can we do better. But that would require gumption, integrity, and a true desire to want to help.
My deceased husband did not serve in a combat zone but was exposed to asbestos, lead, etc. while working in radar for the USAF. It took 10 years of “battling” the VA to finally be awarded survivors benefits. It takes persistence and assistance from veterans’ organizations like the American Legion if you want to win your case. Good luck.