MADISON, WI – Today, U.S. Representative Mark Pocan (WI-02) released the following statement to highlight the benefits that veterans exposed to toxic substances can receive under the PACT Act and encourage veterans and their families to apply by an important August 9 deadline:
“Last year, Democrats passed and President Biden signed into law the PACT Act, which expands access to health care and other benefits for veterans who were exposed to toxic substances such as burn pits,” said Rep. Pocan. “To get the benefits you are entitled to, I urge veterans in South Central Wisconsin to file a claim by the August 9 deadline for receiving backdated benefits.”
The PACT Act makes nearly 3.5 million veterans here in South Central Wisconsin and across the US eligible for the care and benefits they earned and deserve. The legislation ensures that veterans who were exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, Gulf War toxins, and radiation are eligible for benefits.
PACT Act-related claims submitted by Wednesday, August 9th will be backdated one full year to August 10, 2022, so eligible veterans are encouraged to file their claims as soon as possible. Veterans who submit their claims after August 9th can still qualify for expanded benefits under the PACT Act, but those benefits won’t be retroactive to last year.
Veterans and their families can find more information on PACT Act benefits by visiting VA.gov/pact or by calling 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411).
