Veterans Affairs hosting PACT Act enrollment event in Lackawanna

Submitted by VA Western New York Healthcare System

VA Western New York Healthcare System and VA Buffalo Regional Office of the Veterans Benefit Administration will host a PACT Act information and enrollment event. Veterans and their families will be welcomed from 7-9:30 p.m. tonight at the Matthew Glab American Legion Post 1477 (1965 Abbott Road, Lackawanna) to determine eligibility for benefits.

A press release stated, “The Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act is the most sweeping expansion and extension of veteran health care and compensation benefits in more than three decades, empowering VA to help millions of toxic exposed veterans and their survivors.”

As of August of last year, 23 new presumptive illnesses and conditions were added to existing legislation, which the VA said will make “it easier to apply and later receive approval for VA health care and other benefits.”

Representatives from Veterans Affairs, New York state, and veteran service organizations will be on hand at the event tonight to assist veterans and their families determine their eligibility and enrollment status under new Veterans Affairs PACT Act legislation.

The press release continued, “From the moment the PACT Act was signed into law, VA’s priority has been getting veterans and their families notified and educated on the benefits they deserve as quickly as possible. The outreach event in Lackawanna on Tuesday will help support this VA outreach priority.

“To receive maximum benefits and possible compensation, claims should be filed and submitted by Aug. 10, 2023.”

For more information about PACT Act and how to file a claim, visit va.gov/PACT. If veterans or their families have questions about the PACT Act, they may call 1-800-MyVA411 at any time. Locally, veterans may also call the VA Western New York Healthcare System Veterans Service Center at 716-862-8829 for eligibility and enrollment assistance.