NAVIGATING THE PACT ACT CLAIM: WHAT TO ANTICIPATE AFTER FILING


By akirschbaum
BACH leaders, Col. Sam Preston, hospital commander, and Brandi Johnson, deputy director for Partnerships and Outlying Clinics, joined U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs officials at the PACT Act Claim Summer Fest, Aug. 10, in Clarksville, Tennessee.

Many Veterans are exposed to various chemicals while in service, which is why the PACT Act claim was created. This aims to provide millions of recipients with the eligibility they need in terms of disability compensation and health benefits based on their assumed exposure to toxins while in service. This law deems over 20 medical conditions, 23 categories of presumptive conditions, and over 330 illnesses associated with toxin exposures. Before, these conditions were fewer. Veterans needed to prove that they were exposed to chemicals while they were active in the military. Now, it is much easier to file.

The PACT Act and the Covered Benefits

This compensation benefit offered by Veterans Affairs is the most significant health and benefits expansion in VA history. The law's full name is The Sergeant First Class (SFC) Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act. The predication is that it will bring many changes to the department. This includes expanding the eligibility for VA health care for those with exposure during the Gulf War, post-9/11, and the Vietnam War. It also honors over 20 assumptive conditions for Agent Orange, burn pits, and other harmful exposures. The updated PACT Act directs the VA to provide toxic exposure screening to vets enrolled in VA health care. This helps the department improve its research, treatment of related poisonous exposures and staff education.

How Do You Submit a PACT Act Claim?

If you believe that you are suffering from any toxins that you got while in service, then you should file a claim. The first step is to submit an intent to file form showing that you plan to file a claim for disability compensation, indemnity compensation, pension benefits, or dependency. The intent to file a form will determine the possible start date for your benefits. If you are ready to submit this, download the VA form 21-0966 (PDF). Then, mail the completed version to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Claims Intake Center, PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI, 53547. You can also visit their website to file a claim and apply for benefits. The filing process for the PACT ACT Claim is the same as if you had filed for other disability claims in the past.

Process and Expectations After You File a PACT Act Claim

Once the claim has been filed, you only need to wait for the results, which may take 151 days. However, be on the lookout for letters asking for more information. There are also instances that they will schedule an exam, so don't miss them. You can check the status of your claim online. It may vary from person to person, depending on your claim’s complexity. Once the Veterans Affairs receives your claim, they’ll alert you. If you file via mail, you’ll receive a letter of acceptance. If it's done online, there’ll be an on-screen message after submission. They will check your application for missing information, and the VA will gather evidence. They may ask you to submit more proof and will likely gather evidence from their records. Once everything has been gathered and reviewed, the VA will decide on your claim and rating. If a Vet is eligible for a disability claim, the decision letter will include the rating, monthly payments, and start date. This will then be forwarded to the senior reviewer, who will check it. If everything is good, you’ll receive a copy by mail. Or, you can download the final result online. If you had filed for coverage before the PACT Act was implemented and were denied, you can submit a supplemental claim to get new coverage. To be qualified, you'll need to submit your previous decision letter. You'll also need proof that it has not been contested. You also need to submit your request for a new review of your PACT Act claim. To process this, you can go online, in person, or via phone call through a Veterans Service Organization. Suggested reads:


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