Did you know that delaying the filing of your PACT Act claim can result in a substantial loss of benefits?
Veterans who file their PACT Act claim before August 9th will have their claims backdated to August 10, 2022, the day the bill was signed into law. This means the VA will pay you the amount you would have received from that date to the date they grant your application.
However, claims filed on or after August 9, 2023 will be dated as per the application date, potentially causing you to miss out on a year or more of entitled benefits.
Keep reading to find out more about PACT Act Claims and how to get the benefits you and your family deserve.
The PACT Act and Presumptive Conditions
The PACT Act (Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics) was signed into law on August 10, 2022. It expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances.
The PACT Act adds to the list of health conditions that we assume (or “presume”) are caused by exposure to these substances.
You can find out what conditions may qualify you for a PACT Act claim by clicking on our article New Presumptive Conditions for Burn Pit Exposure.
Quick Guide to PACT Act Claims
Here are a few commonly asked questions about PACT Act Claims:
What is the Toxic Exposure Screening being offered to Veterans? It is a quick 5-10 minute screening to identify if you were exposed to toxic substances during your military service. It can be done by your health care provider or even online. For more information click on PACT Act Toxic Exposure Screening.
Do I need a toxic exposure screening before filing a PACT Act claim? No, you do not need to get a screening to get PACT Act-related benefits.
But one good reason to get a screening is it to help identify potential exposures to toxins during your military service. This allows for ongoing care that ensures early diagnosis and treatment of any health concerns that may arise in the future related to your exposure(s)
How Do I File a PACT Act claim? You can file a PACT Act claim online, by mail, or in person. For more information on how to file a claim, visit The PACT Act and your VA Benefits.
Will Applying For PACT Act benefits impact my current VA benefits? There is a 97% chance that your benefits will either increase or stay the same. Your current benefits will never decrease simply because you file a PACT Act claim.
I filed a claim before the PACT Act was made law, and was denied. My condition is now considered presumptive. Should I file again? Veterans previously denied a toxic-exposure-related claim are encouraged to file a supplemental claim. Once a supplemental claim is received, the VA will review the claim under the new law.
Can Veterans’ survivors get compensation under the PACT Act? YES. If you are the surviving family member of a Veteran, you may be eligible for the following benefits:
A monthly VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC) payment. You may qualify if you’re the surviving spouse, dependent child, or parent of a Veteran who died from a service-connected disability. You can find out more by clicking How to Apply for VA DIC.
A one-time accrued Benefits payment. You may qualify if you’re the surviving spouse, dependent child, or dependent parent of a Veteran who the VA owed unpaid benefits to at the time of their death. Learn about evidence needed for accrued. To learn what kind of evidence you would need to support this claim click on Evidence to support a VA pension.
A Survivors Pension. You may qualify if you’re the surviving spouse or child of a Veteran with wartime service. Click on How to Apply for a Survivors Pension for more information.
Tucker Disability Law and the PACT Act
Remember, If you feel that you qualify for a PACT Act claim, don’t delay. The August 9th deadline is less than three months away.
If you’ve been denied VA disability benefits, or are looking to increase your rating, Tucker Disability Law can help. We have over 30+ years fighting the VA and have a 98% win rate.
Use the blue contact section NOW to call us, live chat with us, or message us using our confidential contact form.
