Through the PACT Act signed into federal law in 2022, eligible veterans can receive benefits through expanded Veterans Affairs healthcare and benefits for being exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. Monmouth American Legion Adjutant Cheri Stanton informs that every fourth Wednesday of the month, veterans are given the opportunity to speak with the VA in Chicago:
“I have worked out that we have a Zoom meeting with the VA in Chicago and I have like three appointments that we can call in and make an appointment for. You can talk with the actual VSO, Veterans Service Officer, from Chicago. With this new PACT Act that has been initiated since Congress voted it in to give more money to the people who were exposed to different things. They had that Camp Lejeune, were there was the water that was exposed, well they have found out that there is over 750 other bases that had been exposed to some kind of toxic chemicals. We are working in to get the people who were stationed there some benefits. If you were stationed stateside, or you could be stationed over seas, or you could be stationed on a ship, you just have to bring in your records and we will see what we can work out as far as any extra benefits that you could get.”
For more information, reach out to Cheri at the Monmouth American Legion, 309-734-2976.
