July 20, 2023 – El Paso County Veterans Services, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs, Teller County Veterans Services, and Jefferson County Veterans Services, is hosting PACT Act Claims Clinics on August 7th, 8th, and 9th from 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Recruiting & Readiness Center located at 9510 Voyager Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80920. The clinics aim to assist with filing PACT Act Claims, provide toxic exposure screening, and healthcare enrollment for veterans.
Officially known as the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act, the PACT Act of 2022 expands V.A. healthcare eligibility and benefits for veterans with toxic exposure from the Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11 eras. It covers many existing and new presumptive conditions stemming from Agent Orange, burn pits, and other toxic exposures. This includes Benefits for Surviving Spouses.
During the clinics, a Veterans Services Officer will assist veterans and surviving spouses with filing a claim, and if applicable, they will do a compensation and pension exam on-site. Moreover, veterans are encouraged to attend as these are the final dates for possible retroactive benefits under the PACT Act. Veterans who file a claim or submit an intent to file by August 9, 2023, may have their benefits backdated to August 10, 2022. Claims can still be filed after that day but will no longer be backdated to 8/10/22. Additionally, Veterans discharged between 9/11/2001, and 10/1/2013, who haven’t enrolled in healthcare have a special window to enroll until September 30 of this year.
Walk-ins are welcome for all three days on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointment is necessary. This initiative aims to ensure that all eligible veterans have access to vital resources as they navigate their rights under the PACT Act.
Other pertinent information:
- The clinics are free and open to all eligible veterans and surviving spouses
- Attendees should bring relevant documentation, including service records and medical paperwork
- For more information on the PACT Act and clinics, visit elpasoco.com/pact-act
Representatives from the El Paso County Veterans Services Office, Jefferson County Veterans Service Office, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs will be available to answer any questions and provide guidance during the clinics.
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