PACT Act

Dr. Clark [Kaily], thanks for that kind introduction and, more importantly, for dedicating yourself to serving Veterans, for doing so much to help prevent Veteran suicide—our #1 clinical priority. Please tell your father how grateful we all are for his courageous service in Vietnam. I know he’s rightly proud of the work you’re doing at VA—for him and his fellow Vets.

Today, VA announced that Veterans and their survivors have filed more than 500,000 claims for toxic exposure-related benefits under the PACT Act since President Biden signed it into law Aug. 10, 2022. To date, VA has awarded more than $1 billion in earned benefits to Veterans and survivors who filed PACT Act-related claims.

Let me also acknowledge Reverend Franklyn Richardson, Chairman of NAN’s National Board of Directors. Reverend Franklyn answered the call to the ministry when he was just 18 years old, showing us how surrendering to something greater than ourselves is the first step in the long and righteous struggle for social justice and community empowerment.

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for joining us again today. I'll begin today's press conference with the ground rules. To our press in attendance, once I open the Q&A period, please raise your hand and wait for me to recognize you.

To our press in attendance, once I open the Q&A period, please raise your hand and wait for me to recognize you. Once called upon, please step to the microphone. To those joining us virtually, please remember to remain on mute for the duration of the press conference.

A few weeks ago, I sat in the House Chamber and listened to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s address to Congress, and our country. It was a powerful speech, a memorable opportunity. Being here with you—heroes in your own right—I’m reminded of a few lines from that speech.

The Department of Veterans Affairs marks a historic milestone by screening 1 million Veterans for military exposures as part of the PACT Act signed into law Aug. 10.

On Jan. 1, 2023, the Department of Veterans Affairs will begin processing PACT Act benefit claims for all Veterans and their survivors.

Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced it will begin processing PACT Act benefits claims for eligible terminally ill Veterans.

This weekend, VA will kick off a PACT Act Week of Action to inform Veterans, their families, and survivors about the PACT Act and encourage them to apply for the health care and benefits they have earned.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is hiring qualified individuals to join the benefits team as VA begins processing PACT Act claims starting in January 2023.These new VA employees will help ensure Veterans and survivors get the PACT Act-related benefits they've earned in a timely manner.

Today, on National Cancer Awareness Day, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced it will prioritize the processing of Veterans' benefits claims for cancers associated with the PACT Act. VA will expedite these claims to ensure Veterans with cancer are getting timely access to the care and benefits they need and deserve.