VASNHS Offering Toxic Exposure Screening Classes for PACT Act Eligibility

NORTH LAS VEGAS, Nev. – VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System is offering toxic exposure screening classes to provide education on available VA registries and help to identify Veteran eligibility for PACT Act benefits. Classes are currently offered to Veterans at the North Las Vegas VA Medical Center on Wednesdays from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. on a sign-up basis.

The PACT Act is a new law, signed Aug. 10, 2022, that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. This bill empowers VA to deliver benefits to Veterans suffering from more than 20 toxic-exposure conditions. All Veterans are eligible for screening for toxic exposure through the PACT Act.

The toxic exposure screening class provides Veterans with knowledge in what medical conditions may be linked to their exposure. This class covers the differences between toxic exposure screening, compensation & pension (C&P) examinations, and registry examinations. It also provides information about the established registries (Gulf War-Airborne Hazards/Open Burn Pit, Agent Orange, Ionizing Radiation, Depleted Uranium, Toxic Embedded Fragments) and regarding Camp Lejeune toxic water exposure. This class also educates Veterans on presumptive conditions associated with the respective exposure.

“The PACT Act is the largest expansion of Veteran health care and benefits in decades,” said William Caron, VASNHS Executive Director. “These classes are part of VASNHS’ broader outreach efforts to ensure that every eligible Veteran and survivor gets their PACT Act-related health care and benefits.”

Veterans may call from Monday-Saturday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., to speak with staff to schedule an appointment, or call (ext. 15840) to leave a message that will be returned within 72 business hours. Veterans may also schedule a class through a consult from their provider.

Additionally, Veterans are encouraged to file a claim before the one-year special enrollment period ends on Oct. 1, 2023 in order to receive benefits retroactive to the signing of the bill.

For more information and to see a full list of new presumptive conditions, visit PACT Act. You can also find information on how to apply for VA health care and file a disability claim.

John Archiquette, Public Affairs Specialist

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