TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – VFW Post #1650 hosted a resource meeting Tuesday evening to educate local veterans about the PACT Act.
The Pact Act, the largest expansion of health care and veterans benefits in decades, passes in 2022.
“The PACT Act is so important because there are so many veterans involved who have been exposed to different types of toxins, pesticides, fire pits,” said Kansas Air National Guard veteran Sherry Sunderman.
Local VA staff and experts were there to help veterans with disability claims, benefit applications, and VA enrollment.
“It’s a wonderful job that the VA is doing now to get everyone together to do screenings and get everyone signed up for disabilities,” Sunderman said.
New law extends eligibility to a variety of expanded health benefits to veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War and post-9/11 era, such as alleged new conditions for radiation, Agent Orange and well exposure of combustion.
“Regardless of where they served or what their job was, they deserve to be recognized and treated for any kind of illness they may have brought on from the war,” Sunderman said.
“Many times veterans don’t really understand that you earned this benefit through your military service. You would not have a disability or health condition if you did not serve in those areas. So hopefully, it really is your right and your privilege to come here tonight,” said Michelle Sweeney, outreach coordinator for VA East Kansas.
All veterans are encouraged to find out if they are eligible for disability benefits.
You can do this through the VA website.
Another PACT resource meeting will be held February 7 at the Prairie Band Casino and Resort.
