Viewpoint: PACT ACT Could Help Hundreds Of Veterans In The Grayling Area

Military veterans across all generations who have been impacted by toxic exposures while serving their country could now be eligible for federal health care and other benefits under the PACT Act.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) started processing claims under the historic law at the start of the year. The PACT Act could benefit nearly a third of U.S. veterans and their families, including many of the 1,383 veterans in Crawford County.

Officially known as the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act, the PACT Act expands eligibility of VA health care and benefits for veterans with toxic exposure from the Vietnam, Gulf War and post-9/11 eras. It covers many existing and new presumptive conditions stemming from Agent Orange, burn pits and other toxic exposures.

Learn more about PACT Act on the VA website or by calling the VA at 1-800-698-2411 (TTY: 711).

Veterans are encouraged to reach out to a Veteran Service Officer to help them file a claim. There are many accredited Veteran Service Officers located throughout Michigan and their services are free of charge.

To find a Veteran Service Officer near them, local veterans can contact the Crawford County Veterans Services office, call the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) at 1-800-MICH-VET or use the MVAA’s county locator map.

Veterans can also contact the MVAA at 1-800-MICH-VET for any other needs, including locating their DD-214 discharge papers, applying for emergency financial assistance, getting connected to employment or education resources, and much more.