PACT Act

The president praised leaders from both parties for unifying behind veterans as he and Utah's Republican governor paid tribute to a year-old law that is delivering the largest expansion of veterans benefits in decades.

Veterans and their survivors now have until 11:59 p.m. Monday to apply for those benefits backdated to include the past year since President Joe Biden signed the PACT Act into law.

Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough said his agency is doing better than expected based on internal projections and is using new technology to process claims faster.

While new claims can be filed afterward, those who make the cutoff could receive additional benefits or compensation backdated to Aug. 10, 2022, when the act was signed.

A long political campaign for veterans hurt by toxic exposures resulted in the largest expansion of VA care in decades. Advocates are urging veterans to access retroactive benefits.

The law passed last year makes millions of veterans eligible for new benefits, including post 9/11 vets who were exposed to burn pits.