Released 1/26/23 | Tags:
NVLSP Issues PACT ACT, Camp LeJeune Resources for Veterans
- NVLSP’s Free Burn Pits Claims Assistance Program Now Focused on Helping Veterans Seeking Disability Benefits for Toxic Exposure Conditions Not Among Presumptive Service-Connected Conditions in PACT ACT-
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- January 26, 2023
WASHINGTON-- In light of the Department of Veterans Affairs’(VA) new sub-regulatory guidance regarding the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022, the National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) has prepared a number of resources for veterans that are available on our website.
Among these resources, NVLSP produced two self-help guides on the PACT Act. One is for veterans interested in filing an initial claim for VA benefits for a burn-pit related condition, which can be found here. The other is for veterans who were previously denied benefits for a condition that is now presumptively service-connected under the PACT Act, which can be found here.
In addition, NVLSP’s free Burn Pits Claims Assistance Program (Burn Pits CAP) is dedicated to helping veterans seeking free representation before the VA on burn-pit related claims for disability benefits. Since passage of the PACT Act, NVLSP’s Burn Pits CAP program has been focusing on veterans who were previously denied service connection for a burn-pit-related condition that is not presumptively service-connected under the PACT Act, including sleep apnea, GERD, and gastrointestinal issues. Interested veterans are encouraged to go to NVLSP’s Burn Pits CAP intake page, where they can access an intake form for the program to apply for representation by NVLSP. NVLSP represents veterans at no cost to the veteran.
“NVLSP created these guides to help veterans navigate the process of applying for VA disability benefits in a post-PACT Act world,” said National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) Co-Founder and Special Counsel Bart Stichman. “With the passage of the PACT Act, NVLSP’s Burn Pits CAP is uniquely qualified to help veterans who have been wrongfully denied benefits and who may be suffering from conditions related to toxic exposure from burn pits that are not the presumptive service-connected conditions in the PACT Act.” Stichman added that “in these types of cases, it is often necessary to obtain and submit an expert medical opinion in support of the claim. NVLSP has funds available in appropriate cases to pay the expert to review the case and prepare the medical opinion, again at no cost to the veteran.”
Also, NVLSP created a Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 FAQ, for those veterans who would like additional information on this legislation. The FAQ can be found here.
The PACT Act’s designation of presumptive conditions may enable some retired veterans to obtain Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC). NVLSP accepts applications for assistance with CRSC initial applications and appeals of denials here. NVLSP has also prepared an FAQ document on CRSC based on the PACT Act which can be found here.
About The National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP)
The National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) is an independent, nonprofit veterans service organization that has served active duty military personnel and veterans since 1981. NVLSP strives to ensure that our nation honors its commitment to its 22 million veterans and active duty personnel by ensuring they have the benefits they have earned through their service to our country. NVLSP has represented veterans in lawsuits that compelled enforcement of the law where the VA or other military services denied benefits to veterans in violation of the law. NVLSP’s success in these lawsuits has resulted in more than $5.2 billion dollars being awarded in disability, death and medical benefits to hundreds of thousands of veterans and their survivors. NVLSP offers training for attorneys and other advocates; connects veterans and active duty personnel with pro bono legal help when seeking disability benefits; publishes the nation's definitive guide on veteran benefits; and represents and litigates for veterans and their families before the VA, military discharge review agencies and federal courts. For more information go to www.nvlsp.org.
Media contact:
NVLSP: Patty Briotta, office 202-621-5698, patty@nvlsp.org