Deadline quickly approaching for backdated PACT Act benefits; Chillicothe VAMC hosting outreach events

The Chillicothe VA Medical Center is hosting a Veterans Fish Fry dinner, sponsored by the PACT Act, on July 25. The dinner will be held in the Chillicothe VA Auditorium (Building 9), from 4-7 p.m.  

Not only will we have great food and live music, but we will be discussing benefits of the PACT Act, and how it can serve you.

Last year, President Biden signed into law the “Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins Act,” commonly known as the “PACT Act.” The Act expands and extends eligibility for VA health care for veterans with toxic exposures and veterans of the Vietnam era, Gulf War era and post-9/11 era and expands eligibility for benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances.  

In fact, screening our Veterans for PACT Act benefits has become one of the top priorities at the VA, and our Chillicothe VA Medical Center crossed the 10,000 veterans screened mar, in May of this year.  

There is, however, much to be done to ensure we are reaching all the Veterans in our communities across southeastern Ohio. In fact, there is an important deadline for our veterans quickly approaching.

Those who file a claim before the Aug. 9 deadline could be eligible for thousands of dollars of backdated benefits for both veterans and their surviving families.  Even if you do not think your illness is linked to your service or that you're eligible, it is recommended that apply. It is crucial to get your application submitted and get the process started.

If you have questions regarding the PACT Act, more information can be found at https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/ or by calling your local VA Medical Center. We will also have representatives ready to answer questions at our Veterans Fish Fry dinner on July 25th.

We are also hosting PACT Act sponsored events at all of our Community Based Outreach Centers. Each location will have a PACT Act representative as well as Enrollment/Eligibility representatives.

We will be providing refreshments and literature at each location between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Those respective dates are below:

• Portsmouth: July 28.
• Lancaster: Aug. 2.
• Wilmington: Aug. 10.
• Athens: Aug. 14.
• Marietta: Aug. 22.
• Cambridge: Aug. 23.