Representatives from the Dublin Veterans Administration were in Jones County for a town hall recently to assist local veterans with updated information and help with filing claim benefits.
The April 11 Resource Fair and Claims Clinic was held at the W.E. Knox Center and began with a presentation from Keith Griffin about the PACT Act. Other VA staff members were on hand to assist veterans with registering with the Veterans Administration, finding out what benefits are available and how to file claims.
Griffin said 35 Jones County veterans were assisted at the event.
During his presentation, the speaker explained that the PACT Act is a law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxic substances.
This law is intended to provide veterans with the care and benefits they have earned and deserve. Expanded VA health care became available March 5.
Griffin said he is a fan of the PACT Act that is the largest healthcare and benefit expansion in VA history. The full name of the law isThe Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act.
One of the big messages from Griffin’s presentation was veterans who were previously denied a toxic-exposure-related claim are encouraged to file a supplemental claim. He added that survivors who were previously denied dependency and indemnity compensation related to any of the new presumptive conditions are also encouraged to re-file a claim.
More information about the PACT Act can be found online at www.va.gov/PACT, and Griffin can be reached by phone at 478-272-1210 ext. 72439 or email at Keith.Griffin@va.gov.
Russell Curry, commandant of Jones County American Legion Post 142, said Griffin would be invited back to deliver another presentation for veterans in September with details to be announced later.
