BROWNING — In the video above, Owen Skornik-Hayes reports on a PACT Act event in Browning on Thursday, September 19, 2024.
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The PACT Act is an expansion of health care and benefits provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The full name of the law is The Sergeant First Class (SFC) Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act. Among the highlights:
- Expands and extends eligibility for VA health care for Veterans with toxic exposures and Veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11 eras
- Adds 20+ more presumptive conditions for burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic exposures
- Adds more presumptive-exposure locations for Agent Orange and radiation
- Requires VA to provide a toxic exposure screening to every Veteran enrolled in VA health care
- Helps us improve research, staff education, and treatment related to toxic exposures
If you’re a veteran or survivor, you can file claims now to apply for PACT Act-related benefits.
The PACT Act was enacted by Congress in 2022, entitling disability compensation to veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during their military service.
Included at the clinic, were benefit officials from the National and State VA offices, enrollment services, homeless services, and mobile examination rooms.
The all-day clinic provided a one-stop shop for indigenous veterans who are traditionally underserved.
“A veteran service officer comes from the state or from the VA, once or twice a month, for two hours,” says Marvin Weatherwax. “You can see two veterans during that time. So four veterans a month get help,” he reckons.
According to the U.S. Veteran’s Affairs Office, roughly 74% of indigenous veterans utilize VA healthcare.
The need for their access is imperative.
“Native Americans serve at a higher rate per capita than other ethnic groups across the country. And because of that, native vets are disproportionately affected by post-traumatic stress disorder and other combat related mental health conditions,” says Director of Tribal Telehealth with the VA, Gary Hoggan.
Mobile health clinics in the forms of trucks, and RVs were also present, allowing patrons to file claims and, in some cases, immediately receive an examination.
The trucks are outfitted with sectioned-off quarters. These include audiology rooms, and general exam rooms. They are able to travel across regions of the country to Veteran-health clinics just as they did in Browning.
The VA has hosted similar events the last two years in Browning, and hopes to continue the services annually.
Click here to learn more about the PACT Act.
