FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, August 7, 2023

SEN. OSTEN REMINDS VETERANS EXPOSED TO AGENT ORANGE & BURN PITS TO APPLY BY WEDNESDAY FOR PACT ACT BENEFITS

State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) today reminded military veterans that – while they can apply at any time– they have until Wednesday to apply for federal PACT Act benefits that could be retroactive and which cover an expanded list of health conditions that may be linked to Agent Orange, burn pits, or other toxic, chemical exposures.

Sen. Osten is a U.S. Army veteran, a member of the legislature’s Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and post commander for the American Legion Joseph St. Germaine Post 85 in Sprague.

“It’s taken a long time for veterans to get the recognition they deserve for the damage that was caused by a decade of use of Agent Orange in Vietnam and the burns pits in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere. Even if veterans were denied health benefits before, they may likely be approved under the new PACT Act,” Sen. Osten said. “We need to honor our promises to our military veterans to take care of them, and vets should make this call or go online to apply.”

The PACT Act (the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act) was passed by Congress in June 2022 and brings these changes:

· Expands and extends eligibility for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs health care for veterans with toxic exposures and veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11 eras

· Adds 20+ more presumptive conditions for burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic exposures

· Adds more presumptive-exposure locations for Agent Orange and radiation

· Requires the VA to provide a toxic exposure screening to every veteran enrolled in VA health care

· Helps the VA improve research, staff education, and treatment related to toxic exposures

To apply, please visit: https://www.va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez/introduction

or call the VA at:

800-698-2411

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