GEORGIA — The deadline for Georgia veterans, and others across the U.S., to file claims for medical benefits from the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022 was extended.
Now, veterans across the country have until 11:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Aug. 14 to file potential claims for PACT Act benefits.
Those eligible are military veterans who were exposed to toxic burn pits during their time in service.
Eligible benefits can be backdated to Aug. 10, 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
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The VA reported across the U.S., there had been more than 843,000 claims already filed, as of Aug. 7.
Of those already filed PACT Act claims, 39,270 were filed by Georgia veterans, about 4.66% of those filed nationally.
The VA data showed almost 20,600 PACT Act claims had been completed in Georgia, and about 15,500 had been granted.
To be eligible for PACT Act benefits, your service must have had you become exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange ,and other toxic substances.
The legislation, signed into law on Aug. 10, 2022, adds to the list of health conditions assumed to be caused by exposure to those substances, allowing for more veterans to receive benefits and care, according to the VA.
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According to VA data, the state of Georgia has more than 678,300 veterans overall, with 323,442 enrolled for VA medical benefits. From Aug. 10, 2022 to Aug. 7, 2023, 13,504 veterans enrolled in the VA’s healthcare system.
The PACT Act was hailed by the VA as possibly the largest health care and benefits expansion in department history.
Out of veterans in the U.S. with VA benefits, Georgia accounted for 3.83% of those currently enrolled, and 4.06% of new enrollees.
The deadline for filing claims comes on Aug. 14. The next set of data on VA PACT Act implementation is expected on Aug. 18.
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