Vicente Gonzalez | Official U.S. House headshot
Vicente Gonzalez | Official U.S. House headshot
BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS - On August 13, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) marked the one-year anniversary of the Honoring our PACT Act of 2022, the largest expansion to veteran benefits in 30 years. This comprehensive act increased healthcare access for our veterans who have been exposed to potentially harmful toxins, and finally gave them the care that they deserve.
“One year ago yesterday, we delivered a long-awaited investment in the health of our brave servicemen and servicewomen,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “We have a responsibility to care for those who sacrificed for our country. Since this became law, the Department of Veteran Affairs has received over 90,000 PACT Act related claims in Texas alone. While this is great progress for the health of our veterans, I will never stop fighting for our veterans’ wellbeing.”
The PACT Act was signed into law on August 10, 2022, extending coverage to veterans who had been exposed to substances such as Agent Orange and burn pits. In the past year, 4.1 million veterans have received free screenings for toxic exposure, and over 300,000 have enrolled in VA healthcare. There are tens of thousands of veterans living in South Texas, many of whom now qualify for additional healthcare benefits thanks to this law.
The filing deadline for intent to receive retroactive benefits has been extended to Monday, August 14, 2023, at 10:59pm CT. If you are a veteran or survivor, please find more information and apply as soon as possible here, as you could be eligible for up to a year of backdated benefits. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the Congressman’s District Offices at (956) 682-5545 if you need assistance or have any questions.
Original source can be found here.
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