Veterans Exposed to Toxic Waste Could Qualify for Benefit

(KNSI) – The St. Cloud Veterans Affairs Health Care System is joining a nationwide effort to inform past service members about a law that has expanded eligibility for benefits.

Officials say nearly 100 VA facilities across the country are holding informational sessions this week on the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022. St. Cloud’s session is from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday. The meeting will be held in person or virtually.

Public Affairs Officer Barry Venable discussed why the VA is holding the meetings. “To get the word out about the many new eligibilities and benefits that are afforded to veterans via the PACT Act. And of course, the PACT Act is a new law that expands benefits for veterans due to toxic exposures.”

Venable says the new law means significant changes for scores of veterans who’ve served since the Vietnam era. “Military Service is fraught with the potential for toxic exposures. Thanks to the pathway those Vietnam veterans blazed via their advocacy, today’s generation of veterans will now have access to VA health care benefits that simply didn’t exist before.”

He says county veterans service officers are the best contact for any questions on eligibility.

Because of limited seating, the St. Cloud VA asks you to register ahead of time if you want to attend in person. You can do so by calling 320-255-6340. To attend virtually, click here.

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