Oklahoma City VA is spreading the word…more Veterans are eligible for VA health care under the PACT Act.
In partnership with the Kiowa Tribe, Oklahoma City VA held a presumptive claims event for Veterans to learn about eligibility for VA care and other benefits under the PACT Act.
Click here to view video from the event.
The PACT Act expands benefits for Veterans and their survivors
The PACT Act, signed by President Joe Biden in August 2022, initiated the largest health care and benefits expansion in VA history.
The act expands VA care eligibility for Veterans who experienced exposure to toxic substances during service in Vietnam, the Gulf War and post-9/11 eras. Some Veterans’ surviving family members may also be eligible for specific benefits.
To be eligible for benefits under the PACT Act, a Veteran’s disability must connect to his/her military service. But VA automatically assumes that some conditions were caused by a Veteran’s service. These are known as “presumptive conditions.” The PACT Act added over 20 categories of presumptive conditions from exposure to burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxic substances.
The act also requires VA to provide toxic exposure screenings to every Veteran enrolled in VA care.
Lisa Mosely, Oklahoma City VA My HealtheVet coordinator, attends various PACT Act events alongside VA providers, nurses and eligibility staff. “My overall goal is to let Veterans know about My HealtheVet and how it can be a useful resource,” she said.
Veterans who attend the PACT Act presumptive claims events ask the PACT Act eligibility and service officers questions. They also receive toxic exposure screenings, file a claim and, in some cases, receive a same-day decision. To find a PACT Act event near you, visit VA’s outreach events calendar.
Veterans can check the status of PACT Act claims
At these events, Mosely (pictured above) assists Veterans with getting a My HealtheVet Premium account, used to sign into VA online tools. They can also sign in using their Login.gov, ID.me or DS Logon credentials. Mosely informs Veterans of the many health and benefits tools and resources available online.
Veterans can sign in to VA.gov to view the status of an open claim. Go to My VA and find the Claims and appeals section. This section will include the status of their most recently updated claim or appeal and a link to where they can go manage all their claims and appeals.
Here is the PACT Act information page.
To read more stories on the PACT Act, visit Health News – VA News.
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That is so amazing! All of the tribes should do these events. The Kiowa’s honor their veterans and there is no better way to thank them for their service by providing these services to them at their location. Native Americans have the highest service rate per capita in America so these events can be a huge impact on care and benefits they may be missing. Your doing an Outstanding Job Lisa! Good Good work!