U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan met with veterans and veteran representatives at Riverwalk Café on March 28 to spread the word about the expanded veteran benefits that are now available under the PACT Act. Courtesy photo/Office of U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan

NASHUA – U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan met with local veterans and veteran representatives at Riverwalk Café on March 28 to discuss the ongoing effort to spread the word about the PACT Act.

Spearheaded by Hassan nearly two years ago, the purpose of the bipartisan legislation is to expand benefits to veterans who suffer from health conditions caused by exposure to toxins.

The law was created in memory of Sgt. First Class Heath Robinson who passed away in 2020 following a three-year battle with lung cancer. Prior to his death, Robinson said the cancer was caused by his exposure to burning trash pits while he was stationed in Iraq.

Under the PACT Act, veterans who were exposed to toxins as well as those who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq or Afghanistan are entitled to health care benefits from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. The PACT Act also offers coverage for veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during training exercises or who were on active duty in the U.S. The PACT Act allows qualified veterans to bypass the application process that is otherwise required to enroll in a VA health plan.

“Veterans have kept our country safe, secure and free. It is important that they can access the benefits that they have earned. I encourage all veterans to contact the VA and check their eligibility for new health care benefits,” said Hassan. “It is great to see that the VA is prioritizing implementation of the PACT Act to ensure that more veterans who have been exposed to toxic substances can now access crucial health care.”

After President Joe Biden signed the PACT Act into law, more than 2,000 veterans, in New Hampshire alone, filed claims. The law is ultimately expected to provide benefits to 5 million veterans nationwide.

Veterans can learn more about their eligibility for VA health care through the PACT Act at www.va.gov/PACT or by calling 800-698-2411.

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