Little Rock, Arkansas – The Little Rock VA Regional Office is offering a virtual clinic this month for veterans to apply for PACT Act benefits. While there is no deadline to apply, there is a sense of urgency. Veterans and their survivors who apply for PACT Act-related benefits by August 9, 2023, may have their benefits backdated to August 10, 2022.
To secure a time slot for the virtual clinic, veterans are kindly requested to call 501-370-3829 before July 26.
The PACT Act of 2022, formally known as the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act, is a recent law that expands VA health care and benefits for veterans who were exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances during their military service.
“We strongly encourage veterans and survivors to apply for their PACT Act benefits now, or reapply if they have been denied before,” stated Sammie Quillin, Executive Director of the Little Rock VA Regional Office. “By applying for PACT Act-related benefits before August 9, 2023, there is a possibility that your benefits could be backdated to August 10, 2022. Therefore, it is crucial to submit your claims as soon as possible.”
Quillin added, “Some veterans may have concerns that applying for PACT Act benefits could affect their current benefits. However, it is important to note that filing a claim increases the likelihood of your benefits either remaining the same or increasing by 32 times, rather than decreasing. So, do not hesitate or worry – apply today. It is important to recognize that there are individuals who may attempt to persuade you into believing that you need to pay someone or hire a lawyer to apply for VA benefits. This is not true. Applying for PACT Act benefits is a free and straightforward process that can be done directly with the VA or through a Veteran Service Organization.”
During the upcoming Virtual Claims Clinic, the dedicated staff members of the Little Rock VA Regional Office will be available to answer questions regarding PACT Act benefits, existing VA benefits claims, and assist veterans with filing new claims.
