August 02, 2023

Congressman Castro Urges Veterans to File PACT Act Claims Ahead of August 9 Deadline for Retroactive Benefits

SAN ANTONIO – Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) is urging all eligible veterans to file claims or submit notice of their intention to file claims under the Honoring Our PACT Act by the August 9, 2023 deadline for retroactive benefit eligibility. 

The Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act expands health care and benefits for more than five million servicemembers who were exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxins during their military service. The law, which passed in August 2022, is the largest expansion of VA benefits in decades.

There is no deadline to file general claims for PACT Act, but veterans must submit claims or notice of their intent to file claims by August 9, 2023, to be eligible for retroactive compensation dating to August 10, 2022. Veterans can learn more and apply by visiting VA.gov/PACT or call 1-800-MY-VA-411.

“Last year, I was proud to work alongside Captain Le Roy Torres, Rosie Torres, and thousands of other advocates to get the Honoring Our PACT Act signed into law,” said Congressman Castro. “As we celebrate one year since the law took effect, I want to make sure all San Antonio veterans get the full benefits they earned. The VA is the first stop to file claims under the PACT Act, but my office is always available to help veterans and their families access the services they need.”

The Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act:

  • Expands and extends eligibility for VA health care for veterans with toxic exposures and veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11 eras.
  • Adds more than 20 new presumptive conditions for burn pits and other toxic exposures.
  • Adds more presumptive-exposure locations for Agent Orange and radiation.
  • Requires VA to provide a toxic exposure screening to every veteran enrolled in VA health care.
  • Helps VA improve research, staff education, and treatment related to toxic exposures.

  

Last year, Congressman Castro’s office helped San Antonio veterans get more than $320,000 in benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Constituents who need help with the VA or other federal agencies can call 210-348-8216 to speak with a member of his staff.

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