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VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System launches PACT Act Summer VetFest for Veterans

PRESS RELEASE

July 11, 2023

NASHVILLE , TN — Veterans are encouraged to file claims by Aug. 9, 2023, to maximize their benefits

As part of a nationwide campaign, VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System will host PACT Act Summer VetFest events July 20 and August 10 to encourage Veterans and their families to apply for PACT Act-related benefits.

Veterans who file a claim by Aug. 9, 2023, may have their claim backdated to Aug. 10, 2022, the day the bill was signed into law. Additionally, Veterans who served after the Persian Gulf War are encouraged to enroll in VA by Sept. 30, 2023, for PACT Act-related health care.  

The events are as follows:

  • Dickson County PACT Act Summer VetFest

July 20 from 5 – 7 p.m. at 201 Center Ave, Dickson, TN 37055

Veterans can enroll in VA, file a claim, get screened for toxic exposures and engage with VA programs

  • Clarksville VA PACT Act Summer VetFest

August 10 from 2 – 6 p.m. at 8 Champions Way, Clarksville, TN 37040

Veterans can enroll in VA, file a claim, get screened for toxic exposures and engage with VA programs

The PACT Act is a new law that expands health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. Since August 2022, VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System has screened more than 61,000 Veterans for toxic exposures, and 27,700 have reported at least one exposure.

VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System is an integrated tertiary health care system comprised of two hospitals, the Alvin C. York campus in Murfreesboro and the Nashville campus, as well as 19 community-based outpatient clinics located in Tennessee and Kentucky. TVHS provides ambulatory care, primary care, and secondary care in acute medicine and surgery, specialized tertiary care, transplant services, spinal cord injury outpatient care, and a full range of extended care and mental health services.

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Media contacts

Hannah McDuffie, Public Affairs Officer

615-225-4875 | 615-964-0308

hannah.mcduffie@va.gov

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