PACT Act Deadline Approaching, Rep. Neguse Encourages Veterans To Apply for Benefits

Lafayette, CO — Yesterday, Congressman Neguse, alongside Mike Walljasper, the Assistant Veteran Service Center Manager at the VA, John Keene, the Commander and Executive Director of the Department of Colorado VFW, and Ralph Bozella, a member of American Legion Colorado leadership, encouraged veterans to file a claim to receive compensation before the August 9th deadline. You can listen to the press call here.

Last year, Congress and President Biden enacted the PACT Act – the most significant expansion of VA Health Care in over 30 years. This bill delivers health care and other benefits to America’s service members, providing coverage to an estimated 3.5 million post-9/11 veterans who may have been exposed to burn pits and other toxins during military deployment. To receive 12 months of backdated compensation, veterans must begin their claim process by August 9th.

“Veterans exposed to toxic chemicals are long overdue for the health care they deserve. With the PACT Act, we are making good on our promise to take care of our service members when they come home,” said Congressman Neguse. “This is life-changing legislation, and I encourage my constituents to apply for the benefits they are entitled to receive.”

Military service can result in increased health risks for our veterans, and some injuries and illnesses like asthma, cancer, and others can take years to manifest. These realities can make it difficult for veterans to establish a direct connection between their service and disabilities. Veterans exposed to toxic burn pits during their service may qualify for benefits under the PACT Act. Veterans who were or are not sure if they were exposed need to apply by August 9 — if they are eligible, they will receive benefits backdated from last August. You can apply and learn more at VA.gov/pactor call 1-800-MYVA411. 

“The PACT Act demonstrates our government's willingness to support troops and care for them as veterans by recognizing presumed medical conditions because of their service in toxic environments,” said Ralph Bozella, a member of Colorado American Legion leadership. “Veterans need to file claim or intent to file by August 9, 2023, to have their claim back-dated for the past year. Please contact a county service officer or an American Legion service officer at 303-914-5585 ASAP. You can also call VA at 1-800-827-1000 to state your intent to file before August 9. You can file an intent then get a service officer to help file your claim for free. Don’t do this alone and don’t pay for someone to represent you.”

“While I recommend veterans always use an accredited service officer to file actual claims, due to the looming PACT Act deadline, I suggest veterans call the VA directly over the next week to submit their Intent to File,” said John Keene, Commander and Executive Director of the Department of Colorado VFW. “The number is 800-827-1000 and the VA is available M-F, 8 am to 9 pm Eastern Time.”

Background

Congressman Neguse is a dedicated advocate for service members, veterans, and their families. This year, he introduced a bipartisan legislative package to support veterans experiencing PTSD and create regional “network hubs” for veterans, service members, and their families to seek resources and support. He also introduced legislation to increase funding for the highly successful Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP). Additionally, Congressman Neguse secured the passage of six amendments through the House of Representatives as part of the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY ‘24) National Defense Authorization Act – sponsoring more amendments than any other member of the Colorado delegation. These key amendments work to support American service members by improving military readiness and responsiveness, increasing employment opportunities for veterans, and expanding access to housing for military families. 

As part of the 2023 government funding bill, he secured $650,000 for the Veterans Community Project Transitional Housing in Longmont, Colorado. This project supports the construction of tiny homes for unhoused veterans in Colorado's Second Congressional District. 

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