The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) announced that veterans and survivors who apply or submit their intent to file for PACT Act benefits before midnight on Monday, Aug. 14, will be eligible to have their benefits backdated to Aug. 10, 2022.

According to an Alachua County Veteran Services release sent Friday, the backdate is the day that President Joe Biden signed the PACT Act into law.

The release stated that this is an extension to the deadline that was originally set for Wednesday, Aug. 9.  Veterans and their survivors can apply or submit their intent to file for PACT Act benefits by visiting the VA PACT Act website. 

The PACT Act law expands VA health care and benefits for veterans exposed to Agent Orange, burn pits and other toxic substances.

For more information, contact Alachua County Veteran Services Director Kim Davis at 352-264-6740 or KDavis@alachuacounty.us.