For the first time in the 124-year history of the VFW National Convention, VA staffed a walk-in PACT Act Claims Clinic for thousands of attendees.
The Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022 is a relatively new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxic substances during their military service.
Staff from the Phoenix VA Regional Office included intake and processing specialists plus both onsite and virtual Veteran Service Center coaches, Veteran service representatives, rating Veteran service representatives and Regional Contact Center representatives. In addition, two VA contract providers performed on-site exam support.
“During the five-day VA Claims Clinic, our staff assisted Veterans, service members and families from across the country at the Phoenix Convention Center,” said Phoenix VA Regional Office Director Chris Norton. “Our focus was PACT Act benefits, but we worked through the entire claims process for whatever claim a Veteran brought before us.”
VA Secretary Denis McDonough gave remarks during the opening session and urged attendees to stop by the Claims Clinic. “We need every single person in this room to help communicate with Veterans and families so that every Veteran gets the care they need, and the benefits they deserve,” he said.
At the end of the convention, 331 Veterans had been seen, 13 claims finalized, 23 toxic exposure screenings performed, and 64 compensation and pension exams completed. In addition, five Veterans had been enrolled for VA health care.
