Vets encouraged to file toxic exposure claims

Last week the VA announced that veterans and their survivors have filed more than 500,000 claims for toxic exposure-related benefits under the PACT Act since President Joe Biden signed it into law last August.

PACT is the biggest expansion of veteran health care and benefits in generations, and millions more may be eligible to receive benefits. If you or a loved one served in Vietnam, Iraq or Afghanistan, please reach out to the VA for a free screening.

In previous columns, I have reported on the strong support from Sen. Jack Reed and Rep. David Cicilline to push this bill through Congress. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse has also played an important role in shedding light on this topic.

More: Filing a claim for toxic exposure under the PACT Act

Senator Whitehouse is especially invested in PACT

I recently spoke at length with Whitehouse about veterans issues, and he did not hesitate when asked which initiative was most important to him.

“The PACT Act,” he replied. “I can very clearly see how people can get exposed to dangerous chemicals and then get sick later in life.”

Whitehouse’s father, Charles, served in Vietnam. Working for the State Department, he directed aid and military activity out of the Bien Hoa Air Base in 1969. He returned to Vietnam in 1972 to become deputy ambassador.

The dark side of America’s welcome home: Vietnam vets recount harassment and disrespect

“My father eventually died of cancer,” Whitehouse said. “Can we link cause and effect to chemicals? No, but the evidence linking toxic exposure to cancer is significant.”

In 2019, Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., traveled to Vietnam at the head of his third congressional delegation. This time, they inaugurated a project for the cleanup of Bien Hoa.

“When we put this trip together, I carefully picked workhorses, not show horses,” he told George Black of The New Republic.

One of the workhorses Leahy selected was Whitehouse.

“Bien Hoa is still one of the most contaminated areas of Vietnam,” Whitehouse said. “This problem had some real resonance for me, and we're working very hard to make sure every single veteran in Rhode Island is aware of this new suite of benefits.”

Toward that end, VA experts will be in the field to answer questions, take claims and enroll veterans:

• May 20 — East Providence Elks Veterans Expo, Pierce Memorial Field, 9 a.m.-noon.

• May 29 — North Providence Parade conclusion, Governor Notte Park, 2 to 5 p.m.

• June 7 — Hyannis Vets Center Town Hall, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

• June 15 — Bravo Brewing Company, Pascoag, 5-7:00 p.m.

• July 12 — American Legion Post 43, 662 West Shore Road, Warwick, 3-5 p.m.

“We want veterans and survivors to apply now for their PACT Act-related benefits,” Whitehouse said.

Tips to Avoid PACT Act Scams

Unfortunately, scammers are taking advantage of this outreach. Many seek to submit PACT Act claims on behalf of veterans for a fee.

The VA advises, “Don’t ever agree to pay an unauthorized company a percentage of your benefit payment in exchange for their assistance with your VA claim. If you need help filing a claim, you can get that assistance at no charge. The VA has accredited various Veterans Service Organizations and civilian attorneys who will do that work for you without a fee.”

Submit your application securely online via va.gov or in person at any Regional Office. You may file your claim directly with VA, and VA will help to gather the evidence necessary to support it. There are no costs or hidden fees to apply.

If you do decide to work with an outside provider, confirm their credentials using the Office of General Counsel Accreditation tool at www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp.

Learn more and sign up at VA.gov/PACT, or call (800) 698-2411.

Event update: Stellitano’s 100th

Last August, this column celebrated the incredible life of WWII bomber pilot John Stellitano of Westerly. He turned 100 years old on March 28 — an event celebrated by his family at the Dog Watch Cafe in Stonington, Connecticut.

A few days earlier, some 150 of John’s friends, colleagues, athletes he coached, and community members gathered at the Westerly Armory to celebrate the milestone.

Stellitano, a former star athlete at Westerly High School, was a WWII B-17 Flying Fortress bomber pilot who completed 36 missions over Germany in 1944-45. He returned to his high school as a teacher and basketball coach. His teams won four state championships and went to the New England tournament twice, and Stellitano coached the only Westerly team ever to make it to the finals of that event.

Veterans Voice: Westerly couple recalls the 'miracles' of Feb. 10, 1945

Calendar

Saturday, May 6, 6 p.m.: Westerly Armory Member Appreciation Evening. The event honors four people for service: Alexis Ann, Amanda Nall, William Siano and Shawn Lacey. Entertainment will follow dinner. Tickets are $20 for Armory members and $35 for non-members. Purchase at the Armory or at westerlyarmory.com.

Thursday, May 11, 6 a.m.-4 p.m.: Charter Fishing out of Hampton, New Hampshire. This trip is limited to 45 veterans/active duty/Guard and Reserve. All you need is a cooler for your catch/beverages, weather-appropriate clothing and Dramamine, if you need it. Snacks and soft drinks available for purchase.

To sign up, join The Fallen Outdoors East Coast Community Page on Facebook. Once accepted into the group, comment on the post for this trip with “Tight Lines.” This enters you into the drawing for the trip. Questions? Call Justyn Charon at R.I. Vets Center, (401) 739-0167 or Justyn.Charon@va.gov.

To report the outcome of a previous activity, or to add a future event to our calendar, please email the details (including a contact name and phone number/email address) to veteranscolumn@providencejournal.com.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Why RI's Senator Whitehouse is invested in the PACT Act