Military Veterans Urged to Apply by Aug. 9 for PACT Act Benefits

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Kerr County Veterans Service Officer Jennifer Sanchez reminds local veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces that they have until Aug. 9 to apply for PACT Act benefits, if they hope to receive a year of backdated benefits.

The PACT Act offers millions of veterans who were exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxic substances eligibility for Veterans Administration health system care and other benefits.

“To be clear, there is no deadline to apply for PACT Act-related benefits, but there is an urgency for veterans and their survivors to apply for benefits by Aug. 9,” Sanchez said. “That way, if the benefits are granted, they will have their benefits backdated to Aug. 10 of 2022 – the day that President Joe Biden signed the PACT Act into law.”

For those who are not yet prepared to apply, they may file an “Intent to File” with the VA to lock in a date, while allowing the veteran to gather supporting evidence for their claim.

The PACT Act brought these changes:

  • It expands and extends eligibility for VA health care for veterans with toxic exposures and veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War and post 9/11 eras.

  • It adds more than 20 presumptive conditions for burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxic exposures.

  • And, it adds more presumptive-exposure locations for Agent Orange and radiation.

For more information about the PACT Act and to learn how to apply for PACT Act-related care and benefits, visit: VA.gov /PACT or call 1-800-MYVA411.

Questions may be directed to the local Kerr County Veterans Service Office at 730-792-2203 or veterans@co.kerr.tx.us.