WASHINGTON – With two deadlines quickly approaching, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) is urging Central Valley veterans to apply for new benefits under the Honoring our PACT Act (PACT Act) – a bipartisan piece of legislation signed into law last year  that significantly expanded VA health care and benefits for millions of veterans who were exposed to burn pits and other toxins during their military service.

“I was proud to support the PACT Act last Congress – the largest expansion of veterans’ healthcare benefits in decades,” said Congressman Valadao. “If you’re a Central Valley veteran who thinks they may qualify for these expanded benefits, I encourage you to file a claim with the Veterans Administration today. My office is also available to assist in your claim if you run into any roadblocks. It is essential that our veterans receive the benefits they’ve earned and the highest level of care.”

There are two important deadlines approaching for veterans filing claims under the PACT Act:

1. Veterans and survivors must file their claim before August 9, 2023, to be eligible for retroactive compensation backdating to August 10, 2022, the date the bill was signed into law.
2. Post-9/11 combat veterans who were discharged over 10 years ago and are not enrolled in VA health care must enroll in VA health care by October 1, 2023, to take advantage of the open enrollment period. By taking advantage of the open enrollment period, veterans can avoid a phased-in enrollment period that could mean waiting longer until they are eligible.

Veterans who were previously denied a toxic-exposure-related claim should reapply as the Department of Veterans Affairs is now re-evaluating claims under the new law. Veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during their service but are not experiencing symptoms should also apply before the October 1 deadline.

To learn more about how to apply under the PACT Act:

• Visit  VA.gov/PACT
• Contact your local VA
• Contact your local VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO)