What is the PACT Act? Veterans Affairs urges vets to reapply for benefits after landmark legislation
PHOENIX, ARIZONA: As Veteran’s Day approaches, it’s important to highlight the PACT Act. This act, formally known as the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins Act, signifies a considerable expansion of healthcare and benefits for veterans.
It specifically targets those who have encountered harmful substances such as burn pits and Agent Orange. In light of this, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is actively encouraging veterans to submit a new application for benefits.
A woman from the Valley, who lost her father to Parkinson's disease before his medical disability was approved by Veterans Affairs, is now dedicated to ensuring that other veterans receive the necessary and deserved assistance.
The VA is also urging military families to reapply if they have previously been denied benefits with the PACT Act broadening eligibility considerably.
When was the PACT Act signed into law?
The PACT Act, an acronym for "Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics," was enacted into law in August 2022.
This legislation marks the most substantial enhancement of benefits and services for veterans exposed to toxins in over three decades.
Michigan leaders urge vets to apply for benefits
Recently, a virtual news conference centered around the PACT Act was held, with sponsorship from US senators from Michigan.
"We believe there are a lot of veterans that will qualify for these benefits that have not yet applied; we know that 25,000 veterans across Michigan have applied," stated Sen Gary Peters, D-MI.
"But there are roughly 175,000 veterans that, if they apply, would likely get these benefits as a result of injuries they incurred as a result of their service," he added.
"It’s really important that we get the message out there that these veterans, if they are suffering from anything, if they’re having symptoms and don’t know what’s going on - get ahold of your local VSO," said Ryan Grams, with Kent County Veteran’s Services.
"Talk to them, open up that dialogue, ask those questions. And see if there's something we can do to get you to the VA. To get these things looked at," per WNDU.
Valley woman Laura Fial advocates for veterans' welfare
"My dad was a true hero," expressed Laura Fial, a woman from the southeast Valley. She believes Americans should pay tribute to veterans daily and streamline the process for them to access the benefits they are entitled to.
She shared that her father Robert Glazer, a devoted patriot, was stationed in Korea. "Frontline — sleeping in the demilitarized zone next to what they call today Agent Orange, but it was Agent Purple, that was Korea."
Her father not only survived the Korean War but also went on to carve a successful career as an engineer, contributing to the Apache helicopter manual at Boeing. The thought of him battling for medical coverage years later was something she never anticipated.
"He’d say, ‘It doesn’t matter. I fought for my country and that’s what happened, I don’t regret a moment of it. I don’t regret a moment of it," Fial stated.
The organization Disabled American Veterans reportedly made efforts to assist her father in applying to the VA for coverage. This was for conditions that doctors attributed to his overseas service, ranging from colon cancer and sarcoma to Parkinson’s disease.
"And my dad said, 'Look, I'm blessed. I have insurance. I have the money to do this," she noted. "It was costing (my parents) about $8,000 out of pocket every month," added Fial.
'We can grant benefits even if you’ve been previously denied'
Chris Norton, the Regional Benefits Director of Phoenix VA, asserts that many veterans are unable to afford the costs and it’s unjust to expect them to. "We’re trying to make things right," he stated.
'We denied many, many claims prior to the PACT Act being passed. We can grant benefits even if you’ve been previously denied. So please, when in doubt, please reach out to us and see if we can do something for you," Norton stated.
The PACT Act, which was enacted last year, provides coverage for veterans who were previously denied benefits due to exposure to toxins while on deployment. According to Norton, local claims typically take around 5 months to process and have an approval rate of 77%, per AZ Family.
Norton stated, "My claims processors are working overtime to make sure that we’re doing everything we can." However, for Laura’s father, the assistance arrived too late to make an impact.
A letter from the VA arrived just after his death, indicating that they were finally beginning to process his claim. Tragically, Laura's mother died just seven weeks later.
"She died of a broken heart. The doctor said to me that that is such a thing," Fial noted. "They’re buried together at the National Memorial Cemetery in north Phoenix, surrounded by tens of thousands of others who pledged to protect our freedom."
Laura is determined to ensure that veterans receive the assistance they rightfully deserve prior to being recognized for their service.
Is Laura Fial eligible for the PACT act?
The VA has reportedly indicated that since Laura's father has died, she is eligible to reapply for survivor benefits. These benefits are usually provided to widows or dependent children.
In some cases, a one-time payout can be made to a family member for benefits that were unpaid at the time of the veteran’s death. Norton emphasized that they are still working on spreading awareness among many veterans who are unaware of the benefits they are entitled to.
A significant group among these are Vietnam veterans with hypertension, who are automatically granted these benefits.