National Association of Counties
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) began processing PACT Act benefit claims on January 1, 2023, and has been leading a nationwide outreach campaign to inform veterans, their families and survivors about the PACT Act and encouraging them to apply for the health care and benefits they have earned.
The National Association of Counties (NACo) was thrilled with the passage of the PACT Act last August, which created 23 new presumptive service conditions for toxic-exposed veterans and expanded VA healthcare eligibility for millions of post-9/11 veterans.
As a key component of the law, veterans enrolled in VA health care are eligible to receive an initial toxic exposure screening from their VA health care provider and follow-up screenings at least once every five years. The screening takes an average of five to 10 minutes and begins by asking veterans if they believe they experienced any toxic exposures while serving in the Armed Forces. Veterans who answer “yes” are then asked about specific exposures, including open burn pits, Agent Orange, radiation, contaminated water and other exposures.
Counties can help veterans and survivors in their communities apply or learn more about the PACT Act by visiting VA.gov/PACT or calling 1-800-MYVA411.
NACo encourages counties to use the following resources and videos on your websites, social media channels and local media market to assist with PACT Act outreach efforts:
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With American Rescue Plan funds, counties are strengthening America’s workforce, addressing the nation’s behavioral health crisis, expanding broadband access, improving housing affordability and building prosperous communities for the next generation.
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