Veterans encouraged to review benefits in light of PACT Act
Following a major expansion of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits within the last year, the Clark County Veterans Service Office is urging veterans to seek a review of the benefits they are receiving to ensure they are getting all that they have earned.
The Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act is the biggest legislation for veterans in a long time and it’s time for veterans to get another benefit review because of these new changes.
In 2022, President Joe Biden signed the “Honoring Our PACT Act,” which was intended to help veterans receive benefits related to potential exposures to harmful substances during their service. Healthcare benefits were expanded to millions of veterans from all eras who were exposed to hazardous materials.
“The Honoring Our PACT Act will reduce bureaucratic obstacles for an estimated 3.5 million veterans who seek Veterans Administration (VA) benefits due to burn pit exposures during the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and other hostile locations. The law adds nearly two dozen presumptive conditions related to burn pit exposure, meaning veterans who served in overseas locations with active burn pits no longer must prove their exposure or establish direct service connection if diagnosed with ailments listed in the law that are known to cause such conditions,” information from Disabled American Veterans stated.
For example, if a veteran suffers from hypertension and had exposure to Agent Orange, the PACT Act means the government assumes the malady was servicerelated. These additional presumptive conditions may also affect the widow of service members. If a veteran passed away from a condition that is now considered presumptive, the widow might be eligible for benefits.
The new law also gives veterans more time to enroll in the VA’s healthcare system. In certain circumstances, the timeline to enroll in VA healthcare has extended to 10 years after the veteran’s separation from the military.
Before the PACT Act, veterans faced hurdles in demonstrating their exposure to toxins that caused health problems. Reports indicate that the PACT Act has significantly increased the number of veterans enrolling in VA care. The VA says that about 40 percent of the veterans they have screened report some toxin exposure during their military service.
A veteran can make an appointment for a benefits review by calling the Clark County office at 715-743-5160. Veteran service officer Aaron Greisen and benefits specialist Jill Pollert will ensure that enough time is set aside for the benefits review. The office is at the Clark County Courthouse, 517 Court St., Room 304, Neillsville. Enter through the secure entrance at the northwest corner of the building.
During the month of May, Greisen is also performing a “Coffee with your CVSO” initiative. If you would like to stop in and informally discuss this new legislation, Greisen will be at the following cafés from 9–11 a.m.
May 9, Aroma Café, Thorp May 11, Mapleworks, Granton May 15, Kow Kickin Kafe, Greenwood May 23, Cozy Corner, Owen May 26, Café Duchess (Marieke Gouda), Thorp
