Veterans director outlines benefit gains, PACT Act impacts and local outreach

Dave Pavey, director of veteran services, updated the committee on ongoing casework, benefit enrollments and outreach. He described helping veterans claim state and federal benefits—including the recently finalized New York State 100% property tax exemption for qualifying veterans—and work following the federal PACT Act.

On the PACT Act, Pavey said the law has expanded eligibility and removed a phase-in that had delayed some payments: "they eliminated the phase out timeline," he said, explaining that change moved previously awarded percentages into immediate payments for some claimants. He said the policy changes and new recognition of environmental and toxic exposures added roughly 300,000 veterans into the VA health-care system, increasing demand for providers.

Pavey described several state-level efforts, including distribution of $500,000 for lock boxes under a New York State task force and local programs such as Fresh Connect food vouchers; he said Lewis County received 500 Fresh Connect vouchers for veterans. He also provided service metrics: "So far year to date, Lewis County Office, we've brought in $278,000 in direct VA payments," and he reported $448,000 in new direct payments for 2025.

Pavey said staff continue outreach with American Legion, VFW and other partners, and are coordinating transportation and assistance to connect veterans with VA clinics and other services. The committee asked questions and thanked him for the update; no formal vote was required.