Post from October 3, 2022

 Rep. Carbajal and Secretary McDonough toured Santa Barbara V.A. Clinic, San Luis Obispo Veterans Center; met veterans, veterans advocacy groups up and down the Central Coast

Today, U.S. Secretary for Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough joined U.S. Congressman Salud Carbajal for tours of the Santa Barbara Veterans Affairs (VA) clinic and the San Luis Obispo Veterans Center as well as meetings with Central Coast veterans.

Secretary McDonough and Congressman Carbajal met with local veterans and veterans advocacy groups to share more information on the Honoring our PACT Act, the new law recently enacted to expand veterans benefits for more 3.5 million veterans exposed to potentially toxic and hazardous substances in the course of their service.

The Honoring our PACT Act, co-sponsored by Rep. Carbajal and signed into law in August 2022, concedes exposure to burn pits and airborne hazards by creating presumptions for 23 respiratory illnesses and cancers, shifting the burden of proof off our veterans. If a veteran served in a particular theater at a particular time, they will be presumed to be exposed to toxic substances and therefore potentially eligible for healthcare and benefits.

Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors can find more information on these new benefits by visiting VA.gov/PACT or by calling the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) at 1-800-MyVA411.

PACT Act benefits can be accessed by filing a claim at VA.gov. Veterans having difficulty with these or other claims with the VA can contact Congressman Carbajal by calling or writing to his office.

Original source can be found here.