MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – The VA is encouraging all Veterans to file their PACT Act-related claims after the deadline to apply was extended. The PACT Act gives Veterans medical benefits for ailments they were previously denied because they were not originally believed to have been caused by incidents in the military.

It has since been acknowledged that many health problems were in fact caused by a multitude of chemicals and airborne hazards that Veterans were exposed to while in the service… That was Stephanie Dorris, an enrollment supervisor at the Murfreesboro VA. From Vietnam to the Gulf War, the Act covers a long list of medical problems that occurred as a result of chemical and toxic exposures while in the service.

Dorris told WGNS receiving benefits under the PACT Act covers a a long list of exposures, and many of those exposures to chemicals or airborne toxins may have occurred during a service member’s time stateside…

The Act, known as the “Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson - Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022” is historic legislation that medically covers Veterans who were exposed to burn pits, toxins, and airborne hazards while in the military. It gives Veterans lifelong access to VA medical facilities to receive lifelong care.

Although the original deadline to file PACT Act-related claims was August 9th, it has been extended through Monday (August 14, 2023) for Veterans and survivors to file for PACT Act benefits backdated to August 10, 2022.

Since the passing of the law on August 10, 2022, VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System has screened more than 65,000 Veterans for toxic exposures in Middle Tennessee, and 28,253 have reported at least one exposure. Locally, you can call the York VA Medical Center to learn more at 615-225-2715. For the website: TVHS website.

Brief Details: Veterans and survivors who apply (or submit their intent to file) for PACT Act benefits by 11:59 p.m. ET on Monday, August 14, 2023 will be eligible to have their benefits backdated to August 10, 2022 – the day that the PACT Act was signed into law. This is an extension from the original deadline of August 9, 2023. Visit VA.gov/PACT.

ABOUT THE VA - VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System is an integrated tertiary healthcare system comprised of two hospitals, the Alvin C. York campus in Murfreesboro and the Nashville campus, as well as 19 community-based outpatient clinics located in Tennessee and Kentucky. TVHS provides ambulatory care, primary care, and secondary care in acute medicine and surgery, specialized tertiary care, transplant services, spinal cord injury outpatient care, and a full range of extended care and mental health services.