VA representatives will aid Kauaʻi veterans in applying for expanded benefits next month

Veteran Affairs representatives will be hosting an enrollment event in Kauaʻi next month to help veterans suffering from toxic exposure-related conditions apply for the largest expansion of benefits in decades.

Veterans Affairs Pacific Islands Health Care System will hold a two-day community event to enroll eligible Kauaʻi veterans in health care services under the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on March 6 and 7.

The PACT act is the largest expansion of benefits to veterans and survivors in decades. Signed into law by former President Joe Biden in 2022, the act ensures Veteran Affairs will approve certain disability claims for veterans exposed to toxins from burn pits, herbicides, and other sources during their service.

The new law lists more than 20 illnesses veterans could have contracted following toxic exposure and automatically presumes their service caused those illnesses. Some illnesses include brain cancer, lung disease, melanoma, or any reproductive cancer.

“We are excited to offer PACT Act enrollment and health services to our veterans,” said Dr. Adam Robinson, director of the Veteran Affairs Pacific Islands Health Care System. “If you aren’t sure if you are eligible for (Veteran Affairs services,) please come and see us. We’ll help you access the benefits that you have earned and deserve.”

Three components must be met for a successful service-connected Veterans Affairs claim: an event, illness, or injury in service; a current diagnosis; and a medical opinion linking those two factors—or a “medical nexus.”

Veterans can apply for benefits themselves with available forms, or use a Veterans Affairs-accredited service provider. Those who file a claim may be eligible for immediate care, however, advocates say veterans and survivors should apply as soon as possible to start the clock on a claim.

For survivors who have lost loved ones to toxic exposure, the PACT Act will retroactively consider claims denied by Veterans Affairs before, which could ease years of financial stress. Survivors can file for what’s known as dependency indemnity compensation claims, which provide monthly assistance if a veteran died of a now-presumptive illness.

Surviving spouses who can backdate claims to the original Veteran’s Affairs denial may also be eligible for retroactive claims.

During the registration event in Lihue next month, service representatives with Veterans Affairs Pacific Islands Health Care System will enroll veterans in Veterans Affairs health care for the first time. First-timers are encouraged to bring a copy of their DD214.

Representatives will also provide health services such as diabetic foot checks, vaccines, and blood pressure checks for veterans who are already enrolled. All veterans are welcome to come with heath and benefits questions.

The Pacific Islands Health Care System will continue to make PACT Act enrollment a priority, as well as other community outreach events for those who are unable to come to one of their locations. For more information regarding Veterans Affairs health care in the Pacific, call 1-800-698-2411. 

The event will be in Līhuʻe at the Kauaʻi Veterans Memorial Highway Ste. H from to 6 p.m. on Friday, March 6 and Saturday, March 7. Visit the Veterans Affairs website to find more information on the PACT Act.