U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse and a group of Colorado veterans encouraged veterans Wednesday to apply for PACT Act benefits by Aug. 9, making provisions for post 9/11 veterans to receive retroactive compensation from the past year.
The deadline is quickly approaching, and if veterans don’t file a claim, they can still submit an “intent to file” by Aug 9 if they need more time.
The federal government enacted the PACT Act last year, which serves close to 3.5 million post-9/11 veterans. An estimated 2,000 veterans live in Montezuma County and about 230 served in the Gulf War since 2001. It is the most notable expansion of VA Health Care in 30 years.
If veterans were exposed to toxins and burn pits during deployment, they may qualify for this bill’s benefits.
“Veterans exposed to toxic chemicals are long overdue for the health care they deserve. With the PACT Act, we are making good on our promise to take care of our service members when they come home,” said Neguse, a Democrat from Lafayette. “This is life-changing legislation, and I encourage my constituents to apply for the benefits they are entitled to receive.”
Health risks can soar in veterans who served in the military, oftentimes where they experience the effects years later, such as asthma and cancer. Although it’s difficult to find a direct connection between service and disabilities, the PACT Act works around that.
Veterans might experience presumptive conditions, such as high blood pressure if they were exposed to Agent Orange or respiratory conditions that could be connected to another area.
As long as the DD214 statement states that a veteran was in a specific area post 9/11, such as the Gulf War, then the veteran could qualify for receiving retroactive benefits.
Thousands of veterans in Colorado haven’t yet filed a claim and Neguse encourages all veterans to apply. So far in Colorado, 13,000 claims have been filed and 8,500 have been resolved.
Not only do impacted veterans who were exposed to toxins could qualify, but the same goes for their spouses and family members who take care of them.
John Keene, commander and executive director of the VFW Department of Colorado, shared a personal story about a fellow Marine he was deployed with in Operation Desert Storm. Ten years ago, he was diagnosed with bladder and colon cancer and when the PACT Act passed last year, his claim was expedited, and he was awarded 100% of all services. His wife was able to quit her job to care for her husband during the remainder of his life.
“This can make a difference for veterans who are currently suffering the most,” Neguse said in a conference call Wednesday.
Veterans can go to pactactinfo.org to fill out a questionnaire that tells them if they qualify. If so, the VFW will connect a service officer with each veteran. Regardless, Neguse said veterans should apply even if they’re not sure.
Also, the group said to never pay an unaccredited company to get benefits. When a veteran goes through an accredited veteran service organization, they get quicker response times and often a higher rate, plus it’s free.
“While I recommend veterans always use an accredited service officer to file actual claims, due to the looming PACT Act deadline, I suggest veterans call the VA directly over the next week to submit their Intent to File,” Keene said.
The number is (800) 827-1000, and the VA is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern time.
Veterans can also get help at SW Colorado Veteran Services
Montezuma County Veteran Services
107 N. Chestnut St., Suite 205
Cortez, CO 81321
(970) 564-2779
Dolores County Veteran Services
214 U.S. Highway 491
Dove Creek, CO 81324
(970) 677-3200
La Plata County Veteran Services
1970 E. Third Ave., No. 102
Durango, CO 81301
(970) 759-0117
