WASHINGTON — Last August, President Joe Biden signed the PACT Act into law expanding health care and benefits for millions of veterans who were exposed to burn pits, agent orange and other toxic substances.

“As a nation we have many obligations,” Biden said at a press conference last August. “We have many obligations, only one truly sacred obligation to equip those we send into harm’s way and care for them and their families when they come home.”

The Department of Veterans Affairs is encouraging those who may qualify for the PACT Act benefits to apply soon. Veterans or survivors will be eligible to get more out of their claims if they file a claim or submit an “intent to file” by Wednesday, Aug. 9.

“If they do so, they’re eligible for backdated benefits to when President Biden signed the bill into law last August,” VA Press Secretary Terrence Hayes told Spectrum News. “There’s monetary gain here for families, for survivors, for veterans.”

Hayes says that veterans and survivors can visit VA.GOV/PACT for a list of qualifying conditions.

“There’s 23 new presumptive conditions and if a veteran has any of those 23 conditions, it’s a slam dunk — it’s automatic,” Hayes said. “The burden of proof is no longer in the hands of the veteran or the survivor.”

Hayes says the PACT Act could potentially provide new coverage to over 3.5 million people.

“And if they miss the Aug. 9 timeline, no worries,” Hayes said. “They’re able to still file a PACT Act claim next year, five years from now, 10 years from now, 20 years from now, but again, the sense of urgency is real. We want to get as much benefits in their hands as possible and we are encouraging folks to do that by signing up by Aug. 9.”  

The VA said that anyone served overseas since 1955 is likely eligible for expanded benefits under the PACT Act. Over 750,000 PACT Act claims have been filed this year.