The PACT Act and Your VA Benefits
The PACT Act is a historic new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans who were exposed to toxic fumes and other hazards while fighting for our country.
Family members or dependents of deceased Veterans may qualify for various VA benefits.
The VA is committed to ensuring all Veterans and their family members receive the benefits and care they have earned.
Next steps for Veterans and dependents:
- Apply now for PACT Act benefits by filing a claim.
- If you have not yet enrolled in VA for health care, learn how to apply.
Scan the QR code above to learn more about how to file a claim.
Learn more: visit The PACT Act or call 1-800-MyVA411.
|
Virtual PACT Act Symposium: Honoring Our Promise
SYMPOSIUM DETAILS
Date: December 16, 2022
Time: 1:00-4:00pm (EST)
Quick Join: Click Here to Join
Link to Join: https://veteransaffairs.webex.com/veteransaffairs/j.php?MTID=md8c3ba24222d04df1030dd33a6352519
Phone: 1-404-397-1596, Access Code: 2763 374 0710
Audience: Veterans Nationwide, Service members, Family Members, Caregivers, Survivors, VA Staff and Outreach Coordinators, Veteran Advocates, National Association of County Veteran Service Officers (NACVSO), National Association State Department of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA) and Veteran Service Organizations (VSO).
Event Details: Outreach, Transition and Economic Development (OTED) will host a Virtual Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act Symposium: Honoring Our Promise – Increasing Awareness on Friday, December 16, 2022. Affectionately named in honor of Sergeant First Class (SFC) Heath Robinson, the symposium will feature information on the PACT Act, as well as other benefits and services available to Service members, Veterans, their families, caregivers, survivors, and advocates.
This informative and educational symposium will include an overview of the PACT Act, a presentation on how to apply for benefits, and presentations on VA disability, survivor benefits, Vet Centers, and measures aimed at preventing fraud. The symposium is open to everyone, particularly Veterans, family members, and caregivers, as well as those who regularly interact with the Veteran community. This symposium will also provide attendees with information on PACT Act benefits and claims filing as well as ways to seek additional VA support.
VA to begin processing PACT Act benefits claims immediately for terminally ill Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs announced it will begin processing PACT Act benefits claims for eligible terminally ill Veterans.
While VA does not have the authorities or capabilities to begin fully processing PACT Act claims for all other Veterans until Jan. 1, 2023, VA was able to expedite processing for terminally ill Veterans to Dec. 12. This ensures terminally ill Veterans will receive their earned benefits and health care on the earliest possible date.
To view the press release, visit: VA to begin processing PACT Act benefits claims immediately for terminally ill Veterans
    
Veteran Health Identification Cards (VHIC)
Veterans may now obtain a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) online.
You can sign in to AccessVA to request your VHIC. You’ll need a Login.gov, ID.me, DS Logon, My HealtheVet, or Department of Defense Common Access Card (CAC) account. Please note, if you live outside the U.S. and you do not have one of the aforementioned accounts, you'll need to create an ID.me account to verify your identify.
For additional information and instructions, visit:
VA Compensation & Pension Payment 2023 COLA
The 2023 COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) has been announced for 2023, VA compensation and pension payments will be increased by 8.7%. Under federal law the adjustments are the same percentage as Social Security.
    To learn more about VALife, visit: Life Insurance Home (va.gov)
Status of Operations: Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) Offices
Both the Germany and Korea BDD offices are open for in-person assistance by walk-in or by making an appointment through the Visitor Engagement Reporting Application (VERA).
Landstuhl, Germany
- Phone: DSN 314.590.8200; Commercial :+49 (0) 6371 9464 8200
- E-mail: GermanyBDD.VBAPIT@VA.GOV
- Visitor Hours are Monday-Thursday, 9:00am to 12:00pm & 1:15pm to 3:00pm
-
Germany Benefits Delivery at Discharge Field Office: Landstuhl Landstuhl Regional Medical Center Building 3724, Rooms 110 and 112 Landstuhl, AE 66849
- Visitors seeking assistance from the Germany BDD Team are encouraged to schedule a virtual or in-person appointment on VERA. You will receive email confirmation of your appointment.
Camp Humphreys, South Korea
- Phone: DSN 757-2914; commercial: 050-3357-2914
- E-mail: KoreaBDD.vbapit@va.gov
- Visitor Hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00am to 12:00pm & 1:00pm to 4:00pm
-
Korea Benefits Delivery at Discharge Field Office: Camp Humphreys Department of Veterans Affairs USAG Camp Humphreys BLDG P-6400 APO, AP 96271-5228
- Visitors seeking assistance from the Korea BDD Team are encouraged to schedule a virtual or in-person appointment on VERA. You will receive email confirmation of your appointment.
As always, Veterans can continue to get information about benefits or file a claim for benefits by visiting our website at www.va.gov. Veterans with claims specific or other questions may request information via Ask.VA.gov or by telephone at 1-800-827-1000, or 412-395-6272 for Veterans outside the US.
Update: Overseas Military Service Coordinators
Due to COVID-19, Overseas Military Service Coordinators (OMSCs) have extended virtual support operations to overseas Veterans, Service members, and their dependents. OMSCs will be responding to e-mails and arranging phone interviews for those seeking assistance with all VA benefits.
We invite all Veterans, Service members, and dependents who would like to speak to a VA representative about VA benefits to send your contact information to the email address listed for your location to set up a virtual appointment with an OMSC.
Veterans residing in European countries: OMSCGER1.VBAVACO@VA.GOV
Veterans residing in Asian countries: OMSCJAPANOK.VBAVACO@VA.GOV
Upcoming Virtual Events
There are a number of VA virtual outreach events being offered. Visit the link below to view the full list of virtual offerings:
VA Welcome Kit & Other Resources
Whether you’re just getting out of the service or you’ve been a civilian for years now, the VA Welcome Kit can help guide you to the benefits and services you’ve earned.
The Veterans Benefits Guide highlights VA benefits and services available for transitioning Service members and their families. |
|
 |
Feedback Requested
We'd love to hear your feedback regarding the VA OCONUS Connection. we want to provide the information you need - please tell us what topics you would like addressed in the future.
Help Us Spread the Word
Please encourage Veterans residing abroad with whom you come in contact to subscribe to “Veterans Abroad” to receive bulletins and information specific to Veterans residing abroad.
*The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Veterans Affairs of the linked web sites, or the information, products or services contained therein. For other than authorized VA activities, the Department does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. All links are provided with the intent of meeting the mission of the Department. Please let us know about existing external links which you believe are inappropriate and about specific additional external links which you believe ought to be included.
|
