Roughly 400 Veterans packed the Beach Civic Hall on April 27 in Clarksville, Tennessee, as Tennessee Valley VA held its PACT Act Fair.
Veterans had the opportunity to enroll in VA health care, file a claim, get screened for toxic exposures and connect with VA programs and services.
The PACT Act is a new historic law passed in August 2022 that expanded health care and benefits related to toxic exposures—such as burn pits and Agent Orange. The legislation added over 20 new presumptive conditions, like brain cancer, sinusitis and more believed to be caused by toxins.
Not only does PACT Act expand new health care services and benefits for Veterans, but it also provides additional support and funding to VA medical centers to ensure facilities meet the demand of an ever-growing Veteran population.
Women Veterans are fast growing population in area
Speaking at the event, Daniel Dücker, Tennessee Valley VA executive director, said, “The Clarksville area, from a Veteran’s perspective, is growing exponentially. Fort Campbell Garrison Commander Colonel Jordan confirms that 33% of Veterans who separate from service at Fort Campbell stay in Montgomery County and the surrounding areas.
“Tennessee Valley VA was approved for three new buildings, including a larger outpatient clinic in Clarksville. Services for mental health, dental, primary care and specialty and surgical care would be part of the expansion.
“In addition with the PACT Act, our functions allow us to focus on women’s health. Women Veterans are a fast-growing population in Clarksville. These changes will help eliminate the drive to Nashville for many Veterans and their families,” Dücker said.
Since August 2022, VA has completed more than 3.2 million toxic exposure screenings and 1.4 million follow-up screenings. Locally, Tennessee VA has conducted more than 50,000 initial screenings and more than 22,300 follow-up screenings. More than 100 Veterans completed an exposure screening at the Clarksville VA PACT Act Fair.
VBA has processed more than 500,000 PACT Act claims
Veterans are screened at primary and specialty care appointments, and it takes less than 10 minutes to complete. Veterans are asked a series of questions related to where they served, when they served, and current health conditions they may be experiencing.
In addition to expanded health care services, the PACT Act also allows for enhanced benefits and compensation from the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA).
“Our duty is to help Veterans process claims associated with the PACT Act. The top five conditions granted through the act are hypertension, rhinitis, inflammation of the nasal cavity, asthma and an assortment of cancers. We want to help you get paid,” said Charles Moore Jr., Nashville VBA Regional Office executive director.
VBA has processed more than 500,000 claims since the PACT Act was enacted, and the Nashville team has completed over 5,000 claims.
Looking ahead, Tennessee Valley VA and its partners plan to host another PACT Act Fair in late summer at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center in Clarksville.
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Submitting a claim is like asking for the tooth fairy. Another Vet filed for CNS Vasculitis caused by Agent Orange denied on appeal granted . My claim denied basically said my Doctor PHD. Neurologist, Research Scientist. Associates professor at OSU didn’t know what she was talking about! She saved my life and the VA paid her and she’s a quack? I think the VA has some quacks. By the way VA my elbow is just fine it eac my dang shoulder!
Si soy ya 100% , tengo que registrarme en rl pact-act
I’m a vet that served in South Korea. I know we had agent orange on our post that was used on a regular basis. But I more interested in being notified of any upcoming events you have planed. Was not aware this was happening. Thank you.
The act is just that. Does nothing yes a claim but no $$$. Just ok you got a claim. I am a proud veteran, but this a more B.S.
I suppose with an additional Claims and the heavier workload, my 2016 Claim adjudicated! The VA seems to go out of its way to Deny & Delay.
I have too say, it’s very disheartening – I held up my end of the bargain, I wish I could say the same – Shame on you!
Very encouraging and informative.
I applaud this VA for passing the pact act, and getting the word out that these benefits are available. I went too many years ignorant about the help I needed and had earned.
Does pact act cover smoke from 8” artillery and burning waste drums also I was in i core area I applied for agent orange was denied now i find out I have copd and lukeimiy
VA keeps ‘Approving’ different programs. Like AGENT ORANGE and PACT ACT……..
Yet, still WON’T PAY 100% Service Connection Ratings.
Stop wasting Veterans’ time by making us jump through so many HOOPS & YO-YO’S’ and still refusing to PAY.
JUST PAY the VETERANS