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Five Facts about PACT Act Benefits (And why it's important to act before August 9!)

August 9th

You’ve likely heard about the PACT Act, a new law that expands health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxic substances.

Since the PACT Act went into effect last August, more than 700,000 Veterans have applied for PACT Act benefits. If you haven’t applied yet, there’s good reason not to delay it any longer. Here are five things you should know about the PACT Act:

  1. There’s no deadline to apply for PACT Act-related benefits, but if you apply by August 9, 2023, your benefits may be backdated to August 10, 2022 – the day the PACT Act bill was signed into law. If you’re not ready to apply, you can also submit an “intent to file” (VBA-21-0996) by August 9, 2023 and still receive the same effective date.
  2. Even if you have been denied before, you should reapply. If you served overseas since 1955, there’s a good chance you’re eligible for PACT Act benefits.
  3. If you are worried that applying for PACT Act benefits will negatively impact your current benefits, the truth is this: you are 32 times more likely to see your benefits increase or stay the same than decrease.
  4. If you’ve been told you need to pay someone or hire a lawyer to apply for VA benefits, that’s not true. Applying for PACT Act benefits and/or VA health care is free, it’s easy, and you can do it online or by working directly with VA or a Veteran Service Organization.
  5. Throughout the month of July, VA is hosting more than 50 VetFest PACT Act events nationwide to help Veterans learn about and apply for PACT Act benefits and VA health care.   

Don’t delay! Act now to take advantage of the benefits you’ve earned and deserve!