Black Hills VA supports PACT Act at Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

Every summer, hundreds of thousands of riders from across the country gather in Sturgis, South Dakota. The annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally offers 10 days of riding, entertainment and festivities. Fort Meade VA calls Sturgis home and joined in on this year’s rally to highlight the PACT Act.

This was the 83rd Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Members of Black Hills VA, the Dakota regional benefits office, and the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs partnered to inform Veterans about the expanded health care and benefits for those who have experienced toxic exposure.

Veterans, caregivers and survivors were able to ask questions of a comprehensive team of subject matter experts. Black Hills VA toxic exposure screen navigators were on hand to assist with questions concerning toxic exposure. VBA and our partners with the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs have been assisting Veterans and survivors file claims under the PACT ACT.

Hundreds of Veterans get PACT Act information

“The Sturgis Rally provides VA with an opportunity to engage with thousands of Veterans from across the country,” said Lisa Curnes, medical center director. “We know the PACT Act will expand health care and benefits to many of those who attend the rally and we wanted to ensure we bring the services and information to them.”

Over 50 claims were entered by the staff at the event. Hundreds more Veterans were assisted in submitting an Intent To File to ensure their benefits are backdated to August 10, 2022, the day that President Biden signed the PACT Act into law.

Over 400 Veterans received a personal introduction concerning the PACT Act, with hundreds more engaging with staff and sharing their experiences with VA health care from across the country. 

Learn more about the PACT Act.