Veterans get max PACT Act benefits; file before August 9

For veterans to get their maximum PACT Act benefits, they must file their PACT Act Claim or at least submit Intent to File a claim by August 9, 2023 for benefits backdated to August 10, 2022.

The PACT Act greatly expanded the eligibility of various toxic exposures for VA disability compensation claims, healthcare and benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances.

To submit an Intent to File, complete VA Form 21-0966 (https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-21-0966/ and either:

Mail it to: (Postmarked by August 9^th, 2023)

Department of Veterans Affairs

Evidence Intake Center

PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547-4444

Fax: 844-531-7818

Call VA at 800-827-1000 & notify intent to file

Email to: PactAct@tvc.texas.gov (note: email must be received by August 8, 2023; 4 p.m.)

Contact your local Veteran County Service Officer.

Veterans should note that submitting an Intent to File is not a Claim It establishes a date to be used for determining retroactive pay if any. You still need to file a claim and submit supporting documentation.

There’s no deadline to apply for PACT Act benefits. However, to receive benefits backdated to August 10, 2022, PACT Act claims or Intent to File must be submitted by August 9, 2023. Further information about the PACT Act can be found online at https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/ or call the VA Pact Act Line 1-800-698-2411 option 8 (TTY:711).

Texas leads the nation in veterans filing disability claims associated with the PACT Act, at over 90,000, since it was enacted in August 2022. In that time, the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) has experienced a 25% increase in VA disability Claims assistance.

Veterans can get assistance filing their PACT Act and other disability compensation Claims at no cost from the Texas Veterans Commission by contacting https://www.tvc.texas.gov/claims/appointments/ .

Helping veterans starts here. The Texas Veterans Commission advocates for and provides superior service to veterans that will significantly improve the quality of life for all Texas veterans, their families, and survivors. The TVC assists veterans with receiving their benefits, provides funding to agencies which provide direct services to veterans and administers the Hazlewood Act education benefits. Learn more at www.tvc.texas.gov .