Peters, Kildee Highlight New VA Benefits Available for Toxic-Exposed Veterans in Flint
Peters, Kildee, Local Veterans Discussed How the Honoring Our PACT Act Will Support Toxic-Exposed Veterans by Delivering VA Health Care and Benefits for First Time in Our Nation’s History
FLINT, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) and Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-5) hosted a press conference in Flint today with local veterans to highlight the new VA benefits now available to veterans who were exposed to burn pits and other toxic chemicals during their service. Peters and Kildee helped enact into law the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act – which delivered VA health care and benefits to all generations of toxic-exposed veterans – and their survivors – for the first time in our nation’s history.
“Many of our nation’s heroes are suffering after being exposed to harmful substances like Agent Orange or toxic burn pits during their service,” said Senator Peters. “After helping enact the historic PACT Act, this was an important opportunity to highlight with Congressman Kildee new VA benefits now available to all generations of toxic-exposed veterans, as well as their survivors.”
“Our servicemembers and military families sacrifice so much to defend our freedoms and keep our country safe. They should not have to fight to get the care they need for illnesses caused by exposure to toxins in the line of duty,” said Congressman Kildee. “This bipartisan legislation, supported by Republicans and Democrats, creates new benefits for veterans and their families and streamlines the claims process to make accessing health care and survivor benefits easier. In Congress, I will continue to do everything I can to support America’s veterans, servicemembers and military families.”
Veterans and survivors in Michigan and across the country can now apply for benefits Peters and Kildee helped secure through the Honoring Our PACT Act.
Caseworkers from Senator Peters’ and Congressman Kildee’s offices were in attendance to assist in signing up for these new benefits. Toxic-exposed veterans are encouraged to apply for PACT Act-related benefits by calling the Veterans Administration at 800-698-2411 or filing a claim online for disability benefits and/or VA health care. Veterans are encouraged to apply regardless of whether they currently have symptoms. In addition to expanding benefits to toxic-exposed veterans, the new law will streamline and simplify the process of claiming survivor benefits for Michigan families.
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