March Veteran Benefits & Resource Fair
Hoosier Veterans filed into the Pike Township YMCA at 5315 Lafayette Road in Indianapolis Thursday, March 2 to find out more about toxic exposure benefits.
Veteran Health Indiana took over the YMCA’s gymnasium, setting up benefits tables and toxic exposure screening stations. Air Force Veteran Lisa Moore of Brownsburg served during Operation Desert Storm in the early 1990s.
“I was in a MASH unit, like the TV show 'MASH.' We treated lots of sick service men and women. I’ve developed several conditions. I’m getting screened today and glad these new benefits are available. I just met with a benefits specialist and already started a claim,” said Moore.
Veterans in the Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War and post 9/11 conflicts are encouraged to get screened and file a claim if they either have a diagnosed condition or believe they are sick from exposure to burn pits and other toxic environments.
The new PACT Act (Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics) was signed into law in 2022. It expands health care and monetary benefits for Veterans who’ve developed dozens of respiratory illnesses and cancers. To find out more about the conditions and the toxic environment locations, go to www.va.gov/PACT.