US Senator Gillibrand briefs vets on PACT Act benefits at Castle Point

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WAPPINGERS FALLS – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand joined with state and local elected officials at Castle Point VA Medical Center on Friday to explain the highlights of the PACT Act of 2022.  The PACT Act, officially named the  Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022 establishes a presumptive service connection to certain illnesses for service members and veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxins.  The law, which removes obstacles interfering with healthcare, is going to cover approximately 3.5 million military personnel who were exposed to burn pits and are eligible for benefits.

During her visit, Gillibrand and staff members helped veterans exposed to burn pits learn how they can access and apply for these new benefits.

“When the PACT Act was signed into law, it created one of the most significant benefits expansions in VA history,” said Senator Gillibrand.Today, I’m visiting the Castle Point VA Medical Center to ensure our vets across the Hudson Valley have the information and assistance needed to take full advantage of these new health care and disability benefits,” she said, adding “I fought tooth and nail to secure these benefits and now my office is here to help make the implementation process of the PACT Act as smooth as possible.”

State Senator Rob Rolison thanked Gillibrand for her work on PACT and the timeliness of the legislation, saying “We owe it to those who have sacrificed on behalf of our nation to provide for them in times of need.”  The freshman state senator was joined by State Assemblymembers Jonathan Jacobson and Didi Barrett, with Jacobson saying “The Federal government must always live up to its promise of caring for any injuries our brave military members and veterans sustained while in service. Unfortunately, the government had not been fulfilling its obligation to treat those exposed to toxic substances from burn pits and other sources. That is why I am grateful to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand for passing the PACT Act to ensure our service members receive the critical care and resources they need. It is the very least the government can do for these heroes.”

The following information was provided by Senator Gillibrand to aid veterans who may be eligible for the new benefits:

Applying for Benefits FAQ

  • How can I submit a claim? 
    Eligible veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances can submit a claim at VA.gov/PACT.
  • What if I was previously denied? The PACT Act expanded eligibility for VA health care and benefits, so even if you were previously denied coverage, you may now be eligible. Submit a supplemental claim to get the health care and benefits you deserve at VA.gov/PACT.
  • Who is covered under the new law?
    Veterans who served in Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, or the UAE on or after Aug. 2, 1990
  • What illnesses are covered?
    A wide range of cancers and respiratory illnesses are covered, including asthma diagnosed after service, head cancer of any type, neck cancer of any type, respiratory cancer of any type, gastrointestinal cancer of any type, reproductive cancer of any type, lymphoma cancer of any type, lymphomatic cancer of any type, kidney cancer, brain cancer, melanoma, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, constrictive bronchiolitis or obliterative bronchiolitis, emphysema, granulomatous disease, interstitial lung disease, pleuritis, pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis, pancreatic cancer, chronic sinusitis, chronic rhinitis, and glioblastoma.
  • What benefits can I expect to be covered?
    Just like the Vietnam veterans who fell ill from their exposure to Agent Orange, under this law, anyone deployed to one of the 16 identified countries during the Gulf War and Global War on Terror (listed above) who falls ill with one of the listed conditions will be able to go to the VA and get a disability rating. Depending on the rating, the veteran may be eligible for disability compensation. They are also entitled to free VA health care for their illness.
  • What if I have additional questions?
    Schedule an appointment with a VA benefits specialist: vets.force.com/VAVERA
    Speak to a VA benefits specialist by calling: 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411)
    New Yorkers who need assistance securing their health care and benefits can contact: https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/help/help-for-new-yorkers/



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