VA To Hold Sessions In Milwaukee, Janesville, About New Health Benefits For Toxic Exposure

By Erik Gunn, Wisconsin Examiner

December 9, 2022

Veterans Affairs officials will hold town hall meetings in Janesville and Milwaukee to answer questions about health care for veterans exposed to toxic substances during their time in service. The sessions are part of outreach by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to explain the PACT Act , enacted in August. The legislation extends health care through the VA to millions of veterans of the Vietnam War and subsequent U.S. military engagements who were exposed to environmental hazards on duty, including toxic fumes, burn pits, Agent Orange and radiation.

Some survivors of exposed veterans are also eligible, according to the VA. At the town halls, which are scheduled in every state as part of the VA’s “PACT Act week of action,” the agency will offer veterans help in enrolling in VA health care or applying for benefits. The VA is asking veterans to bring their military paperwork, including their discharge forms (DD214), to the town hall meetings, where benefits and claims representatives will answer questions about disability benefits.

Wisconsin sessions include:

• Janesville, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., at the Janesville Elks Lodge #254, 2100 N. Washington St. Benefits and claims assistance and VA health care eligibility evaluation and enrollment. Sponsored by the Janesville VA Clinic.
• Milwaukee, Friday, Dec. 16, 2-4 p.m., at the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center, 750 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive. PACT Act information and assistance for veterans applying for benefits. Sponsored by the Milwaukee VA Medical Center.

The VA has also established a website, VA.gov/PACT , and is taking calls at 1-800-MYVA411 where veterans can learn more about the PACT Act.

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