Garamendi Highlights New Benefits For Veterans Under the PACT Act

VALLEJO, C.A. —Today, Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA), Chair of the Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness, hosted a meeting of his Veteran’s Advisory Committee to highlight new benefits that veterans exposed to toxic substances can receive under the PACT Act, which was signed into law last year, and encourage veterans and their families to apply by an important August 9 deadline.

 “The PACT Act is a much-needed reform which adds 23 new conditions to the presumptive coverage list, providing veterans exposed to toxic substances like burn pits the care and benefits they earned,” said Rep. Congressman Garamendi. “To get the benefits you are entitled to, I urge veterans to file a claim by the August 9 deadline for receiving backdated benefits.”

The PACT Act makes nearly 3.5 million veterans across the country eligible right now for the care and benefits they earned. The legislation ensures eligibility for benefits for veterans who were exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, Gulf War toxins, and radiation.

PACT Act-related claims submitted by August 9 will be backdated to August 10, 2022, so eligible veterans are encouraged to file their claims as soon as possible. Veterans and their families can find more information on PACT Act benefits by visiting VA.gov/pact or by calling 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411) (TTY: 711).

Staff from Rep. Garamendi’s office can also assist with VA-related, to start this process please visit https://digitalprf.house.gov/AddressAuthentication?id=CA08 or call my office at (707) 438-1822.

###