Released 5/7/24 | Tags:
NVLSP, Stronghold Freedom Foundation Partner to Assist Veterans & Survivors in Obtaining VA Disability & Death Benefits As a Result of Toxic Exposure During Military Service
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 7, 2024
ARLINGTON, VA – The National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) and the Stronghold Freedom Foundation (SFF) today announced a new partnership to facilitate veterans’ and their survivors’ access to VA disability and death benefits related to toxic exposure during military service.
"Even with the PACT Act's passage, countless veterans and their families still battle to access the vital benefits owed to them due to toxic burn pit exposures. Many face the uphill struggle of proving service connection, while others remain unaware they can challenge past claim denials with new evidence. Through NVLSP’s Burn Pits Claims Assistance Program , we're on a mission to empower these heroes, offering life-changing support at zero cost," declared NVLSP Executive Director Paul Wright. "Teaming up with SFF, we're poised to amplify awareness, ensuring more veterans grasp the lifeline NVLSP extends at no expense, while holding the government accountable to its promises."
“Stronghold Freedom Foundation deeply appreciates the partnership with NVLSP. We work to address the Burn Pit toxic exposures of military veterans who were deployed to Karshi-Khanabad, Uzbekistan during Operation Enduring Freedom, ensuring access to all available benefits for the veterans and their families,” said Matthew Erpelding, Stronghold Freedom Foundation Executive Director.
NVLSP's Burn Pits Claims Assistance Program (Burn Pits CAP), since its inception, has been a beacon of hope for veterans and surviving spouses seeking to obtain service connection for conditions related to veterans’ exposures, with priority for (1) veterans (and their surviving spouses) who were previously denied service connection for a burn-pit-related condition that is not presumptively service-connected under the PACT Act, such as sleep apnea, GERD, and gastrointestinal issues and (2) veterans (and their surviving spouses) whose claims for a condition that is presumptively service connected under the PACT Act were denied after passage of the PACT Act on August 10, 2022. NVLSP’s Burn Pits Claims Assistance Program has a 97.3% success rate for final decisions. For more information on our program and the PACT Act, and for an intake form, please visit https://www.nvlsp.org/what-we-do/burn-pits-claims-assistance-program/.
The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT Act) made enormous changes to the world of veterans benefits upon its enactment on August 10, 2022. This groundbreaking legislation, a testament to our nation's dedication to those who served, addresses a wide spectrum of concerns pertinent to veterans exposed to hazardous substances during their tenure. From healthcare provisions to presumptive service connections, research endeavors, and vital resources, the PACT Act stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to those who sacrificed for our freedom. Here's a glimpse into its pivotal provisions.
About 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 18 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 $5.4 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.
About SFF
The Stronghold Freedom Foundation is dedicated to addressing the toxic exposure of
military veterans who were deployed to Camp Stronghold Freedom, Karshi-Khanabad (K2), Uzbekistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. Through awareness and partnerships, we work to ensure these veterans, and their families, have access to all available benefits; promote changes in public policy; and to provide a deeper understanding of the long-term effects of toxic exposure to those deployed in service of our Nation. To learn more about Camp Stronghold Freedom and our work please visit www.sff-k2.org.
Media contact:
Patty Briotta, 202-621-5698, patty@nvlsp.org
Natalie White, 850-259-4895, natalie@strongholdfreedomdfoundation.org