Last PACT Act event to be held before the August 9th retroactive benefits deadline

Eagle Times Staff
Rutland, VT — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare System in White River Junction and Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) are hosting a PACT Act VBA claims assistance and health care eligibility event in Rutland on August 7th. This event is part of the VA’s nation-wide PACT Act Summer VetFest to inform Veterans, their families, and survivors about the PACT Act.

Throughout July and early August, the VA will host over 50 Summer VetFest events across all 50 states, Washington, DC and Puerto Rico. The events will be casual summer gatherings featuring Veterans, their families, Veteran advocates, and VA health care and benefits professionals.

At the events, VA staff will be ready to help Veterans apply for PACT Act-related benefits (or submit an intent to file), enroll in VA health care, get screened for toxic exposures and more.

If you apply for PACT Act-related benefits on or before August 9, 2023, your benefits may be backdated to August 10, 2022 so claims should be submitted as soon as possible. Those not ready to submit claims can submit an intent to file before August 2023 and receive the same effective date.

There are only four months remaining in the PACT Act’s one-year special health care enrollment period for Post-9/11 combat Veterans. Post 9-11 combat Veterans are urged to apply now, before this eligibility window closes on September 30. To learn more, visit VA.gov/PACT.

The upcoming event will be held in Rutland, VT at the Elks Lodge, 44 Pleasant St., from 9:00Am to 2:00PM. It will be the last before the August 9th deadline. This is a walk-in only event. No appointments will be scheduled in advance.

In addition to those who served post 9-11, Veterans served by the PACT Act include those who served in Vietnam the Gulf War. Questions regarding this event may be asked by calling 802-295-9363 xt 5335 or emailing [email protected]. Additional information may be found online at

https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-launches-national-pact-act-summer-vetfest-to-encourage-veterans-and-survivors-to-apply-for-new-health-care-and-benefits/.