VETERANS PACT ACT CLAIMS CLINIC AND INFORMATION FAIR TO BE HELD IN ATKINSON ON JULY 17-18

File a new or check on existing claims and learn more about enrolling for VA health care during a special two-day PACT Act Claims Clinic and Information Fair to be held in Atkinson, Neb., on July 17-18.

The PACT Act Claims Clinic and Information Fair will be held at the Atkinson Community Center located at 206 West 5th Street. The event will be open from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. each day.

The clinic and information fair offers Veterans, family members and survivors an opportunity to visit with Veterans Benefits Administration staff members and examiners, who will assist with processing benefits claims, conducting exams (in certain cases) and answering questions. Veterans Health Administration staff members will also be available to answer questions about the various services and benefits offered by VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, as well as assist Veterans in enrolling for VA health care.

The PACT Act Claims Clinic is specifically for Veterans, family members, and survivors living in Antelope, Boone, Boyd, Garfield, Holt, Keya Paha, Knox, Loup, Madison, Pierce, Rock and Wheeler Counties, although Veterans, family members and survivors from other counties are also welcome. Walk-ins are also welcome.

The PACT Act Claims Clinic is being hosted by the Veterans Benefits Administration’s Lincoln Regional Office in partnership with VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System. The Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs as well as other state, county and local organizations will also be supporting the event.

The PACT Act was enacted on August 10, 2022. This landmark legislation broadens VA health care and benefits for Veterans who were exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances during their military service — domestically or overseas — including Veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Global War on Terror, or any other post-9/11 combat zone. Even Veterans who were never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards during training or active duty within the United States are also eligible.

As of March 5, three new groups of Veterans are now eligible for VA health care, years ahead of the timeline originally outlined by the PACT Act:
• Veterans who were exposed to toxins or other hazards during military service.
• Veterans who were stationed in certain areas in Southwest Asia or parts of Africa; and
• Veterans who were deployed in support of certain operations after 9/11.
The Lincoln Regional Benefits Office and VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System encourage Veterans, families, and survivors to attend the upcoming PACT Act Claims Clinic to receive the services, benefits and care they have earned and deserve.

“All Veterans are encouraged to attend the claims clinic so we can ensure you get the benefits and services you are entitled to and have earned by serving our country,” said Kerrie Witty, director of the Lincoln Regional Benefits Office.

“We are proud to once again partner with the staff of the VBA’s Lincoln Regional Office and all of our community partners to assist our Veterans in learning more about this important new law that will enable them to better receive the care and services they have earned and deserve,” said Dr. Eileen Kingston, director of VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System. “Please attend this important event.”

Please visit www.VA.gov/PACT or contact 1-800-827-1000 for additional information.
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Kevin Hynes, Public Affairs Officer

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