Since the passage of the PACT Act in 2022 which expanded VA benefits and health care for veterans who were exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances, there have been numerous companies and lawyers offering assistance in filing for benefits for conditions related to such toxic exposures in return for a percentage of your benefit award.  Recently the VA issued a warning about scammers contacting veterans through phishing emails, text messages and social media with phony offers of help in applying for PACT Act benefits.  It is important to know that you don’t need to pay to file a claim. The VA can assist you or help you identify a VA-recognized organization or VA-accredited individual to help you with your claim. You can submit your application securely online via VA.gov. There is no cost for the forms and no fee to apply. VA will never charge you to apply for benefits.  In addition, Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) and representatives are available to assist in filing claims. To help guard against fraud and scams, validate the credentials of anyone offering to help you with a VA claim by using the Office of General Counsel’s Accreditation Search tool or by contacting your local representative or VA Regional Office

TIPS

There is no deadline for filing for benefits under the PACT Act, however, if you are eligible for benefits and filed prior to August 9, 2023 you could receive benefits retroactive to August 10, 2022.

For more information about the PACT Act and how to apply for benefits go to https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/

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