VA event in St. Clairsville, Ohio

If you were exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange or other toxic substances during your service, time is running out under a new law to have your benefits backdated by one year if you file a claim and it is granted.

Under the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, you have until Aug. 9 to file a claim or submit an intent to file in order to be eligible for backdated benefits. You can file after Aug. 9, but claims filed after that date might not be eligible for backdated benefits.

You might be eligible for benefits under the PACT Act if you:

Were exposed to toxic substances while serving during Vietnam, the Gulf War or post-9/11.
Served in specific countries in Africa, the Middle East and Southwest Asia.

Veterans in Ohio can also get help applying to enroll in VA health care or take a short screening to determine risk for military toxic exposures between 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on July 25 at the Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham (51110 National Road East, St. Clairsville, OH 43950). The Jefferson County Veterans Service Office will also be on hand to assist with filing VBA claims.

This event will also be followed by a Veterans Town Hall at 3 p.m.