Washington DC VA Medical Center Kicks Off Nationwide PACT Act Week of Action

More than 100 Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors attended the event at the National Harbor in Prince George’s County, MD.

The Washington DC VA Medical Center Town Hall was the first of more than 90 events scheduled across the country this week in support of VA’s PACT Act Week of Action. This campaign aims to inform and connect with Veterans who may be eligible for VA benefits under this new legislation signed into law by President Joe Biden on August 10, 2022.

President Biden opened the event with a video message to Veterans in which he said “As a nation we have many obligations, but we only have one truly sacred obligation. That is to prepare those we send to war, and to care for those and their families when they come home. This can help millions of Veterans who were exposed to burn pits and toxins during their time of service.”

The PACT Act expands and extends eligibility for VA health care and benefits to Veterans with toxic exposures and Veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11 eras. More than 20 presumptive conditions caused by exposure to burn pits, agent orange and other toxins are recognized under this new legislation, which requires VA to provide toxic screening to every Veteran enrolled in VA health care.

Department of Veterans Affairs Deputy Secretary Donald Remy attended the Washington DC VA Medical Center event where he spoke about the importance of the PACT Act with Veterans, their families, caregivers, survivors and Veterans Service Organization representatives.

“Passing this bill into law was the first fight, but it doesn’t mean anything unless Vets and survivors get what they’ve earned. That’s the fight we’re in now, and that’s what this week is all about. We will not rest until every Veteran and survivor in DC and across America knows about this new law, understands what it means for them, and gets the care and benefits they’ve earned,” said Deputy Secretary Remy.

During the event, VA health care providers conducted 52 toxic exposure screenings on site and scheduled an additional 17 Veterans for screening later at the Washington DC VA Medical Center. Veterans Benefits Administration claims representatives provided 27 Veterans with free, individual claims assistance, and 15 Veterans submitted intent-to-file claims. An additional nine Veterans scheduled appointments for claims assistance.

Representatives from local Veteran Service Organizations, to include the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 609 in Virginia and Post 341 in Washington, DC, and the Disabled American Veterans Washington, DC Chapter, attended the event to gain knowledge and receive information they can share with Veterans in their communities.

Veterans from Washington, DC and parts of Maryland and Virginia were able to connect with VA health care, benefits and services, local service organizations, and learn more about what the PACT Act means for them. 

“Whenever someone signs up to serve our country in the military, our nation makes them a promise. If you fight for us, we’ll fight for you. If you take care of us, we’ll take care of you.  If you serve us, we’ll serve you when you come home. It’s our mission here at VA to keep that promise to Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors,” said Deputy Secretary Remy.

The PACT Act exhibits VA’s Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxic exposure for all Veterans. This legislation is considered the largest health care and benefit expansion in VA history and is expected to extend eligibility to millions of Veterans. Learn more about the PACT Act and get free VA assistance with filing a claim here: The PACT Act And Your VA Benefits | Veterans Affairs.