VETERANS PACT ACT CLAIMS CLINIC TO BE HELD IN FREMONT, APRIL 3-4; EVENT DESIGNED TO ASSIST VETERANS WITH CLAIMS, ENROLLING INTO VA HEALTH CARE
PRESS RELEASE
March 26, 2024
Omaha , NE — OMAHA, Neb. — Nebraska Veterans, family members and survivors will have the opportunity to learn more about the new "Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act,” file new or check on existing claims.
The PACT Act Claims clinic will be at Christensen Field, located at 1730 West 16th Street in Fremont. The clinic will be open from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. on April 3, and from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. on April 4.
Walk-ins are welcome, although appointments can be made via the QR Code in attachment.
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.
Senior leaders from both 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.”
Since the enactment of the PACT Act on August 10, 2022, 10,645 Nebraska Veterans and 14,021 Iowa Veterans have sought PACT Act-related benefits, and 749 Nebraska Veterans and 774 Iowa Veterans have enrolled for VA health care under the PACT Act Enrollment Authority.
Please visit www.VA.gov/PACT or contact 1-800-827-1000 for additional information.