The PACT Act has expanded medical and disability benefits for veterans who were exposed to a number of toxic substances, but the deadline to apply is fast approaching.

Congressman Josh Harder (CA-9) is encouraging veterans who think they are eligible for benefits through the PACT Act to apply before Wednesday, Aug. 9 to be eligible for retroactive benefits for the past year. After the Aug. 9 deadline, veterans can still apply for PACT Act benefits, but they won’t be backdated to the date the bill became law.

Harder worked to pass the PACT Act which was enacted on Aug. 8 last year to extend medical and disability benefits to U.S. Military veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange, burn pits, and other toxic substances. When Harder was a child, his grandfather passed away due to health complications caused by Agent Orange exposure while serving in Vietnam.

“Getting the PACT Act signed into law was a long-overdue win for our nation’s veterans who were exposed to toxic substances. Those who think they might be eligible – especially Vietnam veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange and might have been denied benefits in the past – should apply as soon as possible to be considered for backpay,” said Rep. Harder. “If you risked your life to defend our country, you shouldn’t be fighting for the care you need. My grandfather died when I was little due to toxic exposure during his service, so this is personal to me. I’ll always push to make sure our government is doing right by our veterans.”

Any veteran who believes they might be eligible for PACT Act benefits should consider applying. More information including frequently asked questions, additional resources, and instructions to apply is available at VA.gov/PACTAct.