Vets can learn about PACT Act at Summer VetFest

EL PASO, Texas ( KTSM ) — El Paso area veterans and their families can learn about benefits under the PACT Act and enjoy food, music and giveaways during a special event put on by El Paso Veterans Affairs later this month.

The El Paso Veterans Affairs Health Care System and the Veterans Benefits Administration Waco Regional Office are teaming up to host a Summer VetFest and a PACT Act Claims Clinic.

The claims clinic will be from 3 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 27 at the local VA’s main parking lot, 5001 N. Piedras. VetFest will run from 4 to 8 p.m. that same day in the same location.

“The PACT Act expanded VA health care and benefits to all Veterans exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving at home or abroad. This includes all Veterans who served in the Vietnam War, Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other combat zone after 9/11.  The VA added new presumptive conditions for radiation, Agent Orange, Gulf War toxins, and burn pits,” according to a news release sent out by the local VA.

The claims clinic is designed for veterans to meet with a claims representative one-on-one and learn more about VA benefits and eligibility and to submit a PACT Act claim.

The concurrent VetFest will include food trucks, an information fair, a veteran service organization recruitment fair and live music by Sunset 915 Band and Blackberry Jam Experience.

There will also be a back-to-school giveaway, while supplies last. Children must be present to receive back-to-school items, the VA said.

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