Updates from VA Long Beach Healthcare System

Veterans Health Administration sent this bulletin at 07/28/2023 07:14 PM EDT

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PACT Act: Act Now To Protect Earliest Entitlement Date

PACT Act Claims Will Be Eligible for 12 Months of Backdated Compensation if Submitted by August 9

Although the PACT Act doesn’t expire, Veterans or survivors who file a claim or submit their intent to file a claim for PACT Act-related benefits on or before August 9, 2023 may have their benefits backdated to August 10, 2022, the date of the law’s signing.

How To Submit A Claim?

Online using a va.gov account.
Get Help Filing Your Claim Or Appeal | Veterans Affairs (va.gov) from a Veterans Service Organization.
Schedule a telephone or in-person appointment with the Los Angeles VA Regional Office via the Department of Veterans Affairs Visitor Engagement Reporting Application.

How To Submit An Intent To File?

Any of the options above, or
Call 1-800-827-1000, and state that you wish to submit an Intent To File for Compensation and/or Pension, or Survivors Pension and/or DIC.

Whole Health: Unleash Your Brain Power Using Easy App

Ready to practice mindfulness but don’t know where to start? Download VA’s Mindfulness Coach app for simple mindfulness practices to help you Live Whole Health! The app provides a gradual self-training program to incorporate mindfulness into your day, which helps reduce stress and cope with unpleasant thoughts and emotions. The app also includes a library of information about mindfulness, 12 audio-guided mindfulness exercises, a growing catalog of additional exercises available for free download, goal setting and tracking, and customizable reminders. Download the app

PACT Act Event - August 12

VA Long Beach Healthcare System is holding a PACT Act Event for Veterans who may be affected by conditions covered under the new law which expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances.

Services offered at this event:
• VBA claims clinic
• Health care eligibility and enrollment assistance (Bring DD214)
• Toxic exposure screenings

Pre-register for the event on August 12th

Pre-Registration deadline: August 8th

If you're not able to make it to this event, but would still like to apply for VA Healthcare:
• Apply online
• Call our toll-free hotline at 877-222-8387
M-F, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. ET
• Mail a completed, signed Application for Health Benefits
• Bring a completed, signed VA Form 10-10EZ with you to your nearest medical center or clinic or get help through your state’s Department of Veterans Affairs Service Officer
• Get help filing your claim by working with an accredited representative

While there is no deadline to apply for PACT Act-related benefits, there is urgency!
• Most Veterans and survivors who apply for benefits or submit an “Intent to File” by August 9, if granted, will have their benefits backdated to August 10, 2022
• Call 800-827-1000, Mon-Fri, 8am-9pm ET

If you'd like to schedule a virtual appointment with the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) to file a claim, visit the VA Visitor Engagement Reporting Application website (VAVERA)