The Kiowa Tribe and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs are hosting a free event on September 4th designed to help Oklahoma veterans understand and access disability benefits under the PACT Act. Running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Apache Tribe Community Center (620 E. Colorado, Anadarko), the event titled“Your Service. Our Mission: Bringing VA Benefits Home”brings VA staff and Veteran Service Officers directly to your community. Attendees will receive help completing disability claim paperwork, toxic exposure screenings, and guidance on which presumptive conditions qualify them for benefits. Lunch is provided at no cost.
The PACT Act, signed into law in 2022, expanded VA health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances during military service. Many veterans don’t realize they qualify for these benefits or how to apply. This event removes barriers by offering direct assistance navigating a complex claims process. Surviving spouses and widows of veterans are also encouraged to attend, as they may qualify for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation based on their spouse’s service and exposure history.
To make the most of the event, bring military discharge papers (DD-214), medical records related to your claimed disability, and any documentation supporting toxic exposure during service. The VA is specifically targeting underserved communities in Oklahoma as part of a nationwide outreach campaign working with over 30 tribal communities. If you have questions about PACT Act benefits or need help preparing your claim, this is your opportunity to connect with the resources you need. Are you a veteran who’s been waiting to file your claim, or do you know someone who should attend?
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Local Lawton
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