The PACT Act of 2022 expanded VA health care and benefits for military veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances while serving. It is the largest healthcare and benefit expansion in VA history.
Veterans who file a claim for benefits under the PACT Act prior to Aug. 9, 2023 can receive benefits backdated to the date the bill was passed, Aug. 10, 2022.
With the PACT Act, Vietnam, Gulf War and post-911 veterans are eligible for benefits if they have developed any of 11 respiratory-related conditions, reproductive cancers, kidney cancer, brain cancers, or some other forms of cancer. Other presumptive illnesses include asthma diagnosed post-service, COPD, emphysema, chronic rhinitis or sinusitis, and more. Complete information is available at https://www.va.gov/pact
Greene County veteran service officer Mike Beirl urges veterans to contact him via email at mbierl@greenecounty.iowa.gov or by calling him at 515-386-5673 with any questions about PACT Act benefits or any other possible benefits, or to make an appointment.
“My mission is to inform Greene County veterans of every entitled benefit and give periodic VA and local veteran information,” Bierl said.
He asks all Greene County veterans to provide him with an email address so he can efficiently share information.
