By Shannon Lukens.
A computer glitch has resulted in the deadline for veterans and survivors to apply for the Pact Act to be extended to midnight this Monday, Aug. 14. It’s because the computers crashed on the website of the Department of Veterans Affairs this week and some veterans weren’t able to get into the system to submit claims or notice to file a claim to receive retroactive disability payments back to August of last year.
Gar Williams is with the American Legion Post 44 in Steamboat Springs. He told all of the veterans about the extended deadline at their Thursday night meeting.
“Any veteran can file an intent to file claim and it needs to be done either online or with a veterans service officer and have it faxed in so they get a date and time stamp before midnight.”
Once again, that deadline is at midnight, Monday, Aug. 14.
The PACT Act is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxic substances. The link is below to file a claim. Or call 800-698-2411
VA U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website with information
From the Department of Veterans Affairs website
What’s the PACT Act and how will it affect my VA benefits and care?
The PACT Act is perhaps the largest health care and benefit expansion in VA history. The full name of the law is The Sergeant First Class (SFC) Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act.
The PACT Act will bring these changes:
- 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
- Adds 20+ more presumptive conditions for burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic exposures
- Adds more presumptive-exposure locations for Agent Orange and radiation
- Requires VA to provide a toxic exposure screening to every Veteran enrolled in VA health care
- Helps us improve research, staff education, and treatment related to toxic exposures
If you’re a Veteran or survivor, you can file claims now to apply for PACT Act-related benefits.