PACT Act Town Hall set for Aug. 10 in Pocahontas, Arkansas

The PACT Act (Sergeant Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act) is a comprehensive legislation designed to enhance the support and services available to our honorable Veterans and their families. This town hall serves as an opportunity to familiarize attendees with the provisions of the PACT Act, offer guidance on accessing its benefits, and address any questions or concerns they may have.

During this town hall, attendees will hear from speakers, including local Veterans Affairs subject-matter experts and representatives from Veterans Benefits Administration. They will provide valuable insights, clarify eligibility criteria for benefits, and guide attendees on how to navigate the process effectively.

Furthermore, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in open discussions and ask questions directly to the panel of experts. The event aims to create an inclusive and supportive environment where Veterans, their families, and community members can come together to learn, share experiences, and build connections.

We encourage all Veterans, active-duty service members, and their families residing in the Northeast Arkansas area to participate in this informative town hall. By attending, you will gain valuable knowledge and resources to support your well-being and ensure you receive the benefits and services you rightfully deserve.

Please mark your calendars and plan to join us on August 10 at the Pocahontas Community Center. Light refreshments will be provided, and admission is free. For further information or to RSVP, please contact Lacey McClintock, public affairs officer, at 573-778-4048 or by email at lacey.mcclintock@va.gov.

We sincerely thank you for your service, and we look forward to your presence at the PACT Act Informational Town Hall in Pocahontas.

PACT Act Facts:

The Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022 was signed into law in August. It is named after Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson, who after returning home from deployments to Kosovo and Iraq, was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder and late-stage lung cancer, both associated with burn pit exposure.

Toxic Exposure:

The PACT Act defines the term “toxic exposure,” but there are several types of possible exposures Veterans may have experienced, including chemicals, air pollutants, occupational hazards, radiation, and warfare agents. The list is not exclusive to burn pit exposures.

In November, VA began a process to screen every enrolled Veteran for toxic exposures, and each will receive a follow-up screening every 5 years. Veterans who are not enrolled, but who now meet eligibility requirements, will have the opportunity to enroll and receive the screening.

At the same time, the PACT Act bolsters VA’s toxic exposure research and requires several studies to be conducted.

Eligibility:

The PACT Act greatly expands eligibility for VA health care to potentially millions of Veterans with toxic exposures and Veterans of the Vietnam era, Gulf War era, and Post-9/11 era.

Three new categories have been established, including Category 1, which qualifies those Veterans who participated in toxic exposure risk activities while serving.

Category 2 applies to Veterans who were assigned to a duty station, or the airspace above, during specific periods of time, including those who served on or after August 2, 1990 in Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia or the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, Veterans who served on or after September 11, 2001, in Afghanistan, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Uzbekistan, or any other country determined relevant by VA may also be eligible for benefits.

Category 3 Veterans include those deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn, Operation Inherent Resolve, and Resolute Support Mission.

Veterans who served on active duty in a theater of combat operations during a period of war after the Persian Gulf War, or in combat against a hostile force during a period of hostilities after November 11, 1998, and who were discharged between September 11, 2001 and October 1, 2013, may also be eligible.

Eligibility also has been expanded to Vietnam-era Veterans who served in certain locations in specific time periods, including the Republic of Vietnam from January 2, 1962 to May 7, 1975; Thailand at any U.S or Royal Thai base between January 9, 1962 and June 30, 1976; Laos between December 1, 1965 and September 30, 1969; Certain provinces of Cambodia from April 16-30, 1969; Guam or American Samoa between January 9, 1962 and July 31, 1980; and Johnson Atoll, or a ship that called there, between January 1, 1972 and September 30, 1977.

Because of the expanded eligibility, Veterans who have applied in the past for VA health care benefits and were denied are encouraged to reapply.

Decision Process:

The act will improve the decision-making process for determining what conditions will be considered for presumptive status. Presumptions of service connection for more than 20 conditions related to toxic exposures, including many cancers, lung diseases, high blood pressure, and more, already have been established.

Delivering Quality Care:

The PACT Act also authorizes VA to hire additional staff to meet increasing needs, and it allows for the expansion or construction of 31 new facilities nationwide to serve Veterans more efficiently.

Additional information about the PACT Act can be found at https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/, and the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center can be reached at 573-686-4151.

Lacey McClintock, Chief, Communications and Stakeholder Relations

Phone: