North Shore Veterans Advised Of Looming PACT Act Benefits Deadline

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — North Shore veterans and their families are advised of an upcoming deadline in the federal PACT Act that affects the ability to get backdated benefits for veterans and their survivors who were exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange or other toxic substances while serving their country.

While a veteran can apply for benefits at any time, those who file a claim before the Aug. 9 deadline would receive backdated benefits to Aug. 8, 2022. Veterans could be eligible for thousands of dollars of backdated benefits for both veterans and their surviving families.

The PACT Act added more than 20 conditions that could be caused by the toxins.

(Also on Patch: North Shore Veterans Agents Push To Get Word Out On PACT Act Benefits)

"For example, if you suffer from high blood pressure and served in the Vietnam War, you could receive benefits without any further questions," E.F. Gilmore Swampscott/Lynn Disabled Veterans of America Commander Jeffrey Blonder said. "The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will assume it is linked."

Veterans and their families are encouraged to apply for the benefits even if they have previously been denied or if they are unsure if a medical condition is linked to service.

"The VA is experiencing a backlog in processing the claims, but it is important to get your application in and get the process started," Blonder said.

The E.F. Gilmore has three Chapter Service Officers available to assist veterans and their families file claims under the PACT ACT. This service is provided at no cost to the veterans.

For more information contact Blonder at 617-967-6892 or e_f_gilmore_dav_chapter64@yahoo.com or your local veterans agent.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)