VA Eastern Colorado to host PACT Act open house, offer toxic-exposure screenings
PRESS RELEASE
December 12, 2022
Aurora , CO — VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS) will host an open house Dec. 15 at PFC Floyd K. Lindstrom VA Clinic in Colorado Springs, an evening event to inform Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors about a historic expansion of benefits.
The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act, or PACT Act, was signed into law Aug. 10, expanding health care for hundreds of thousands of toxic-exposed Vietnam-era, Gulf War-era and post-9/11 Veterans.
More than 100,000 Veterans are currently enrolled in VA ECHCS, of which nearly 40,000 Veterans get care in Colorado Springs. During the PACT Act open house, 4:30-6:30 p.m., enrolled Veterans will get an opportunity to complete a toxic exposure screening.
The two-hour event will kick off with remarks by VA ECHCS Director Michael Kilmer and Veterans Benefits Administration Regional Director Michael Rohrbach. VA ECHCS Assistant Director James Crabtree will give an overview of the PACT Act, then point to on-site resources to apply for VA benefits, enroll in health care and explore other programs and services.
With respiratory illnesses on the rise nationally, VA ECHCS vaccine teams will offer flu shots to enrolled Veterans. All Veterans, regardless of enrollment, as well as spouses and caregivers, may request a COVID-19 vaccination. A booster will require a CDC vaccination card.
Veterans interested in applying for toxic exposure-related health care and benefits should bring their summary of release or discharge from active duty, commonly known as form DD-214. VA will start processing the claims Jan. 1. Veterans who apply for PACT Act-related benefits before Aug. 10, 2023, will have their benefits backdated to Aug. 10, 2022.
Veterans may also enroll online, by phone at 877-222-8387, by mail with VA Form 10-10EZ or in-person at a VA facility. They can learn more about the PACT Act by calling 1-800-MY-VA-411 or visiting VA.gov/PACT.
VA ECHCS PACT Act Open House
What: PACT Act Open House, as part of VA PACT Act Week of Action, Dec. 12-16
When: Thursday, Dec. 15, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Who: Veterans, along with their families, caregivers and survivors
Where: PFC Floyd K. Lindstrom VA Clinic, 3141 Centennial Boulevard, Colorado Springs, CO 80907