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Officials tell Lake County: PACT Act expands presumptive benefits and requires recontacting veterans
Summary
CDVA staff explained the PACT Act’s expansion of presumptive conditions and urged counties to re-contact veterans previously denied benefits because many conditions are now presumed service-connected.
Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs staff told the Lake County Board of County Commissioners that the federal PACT Act (effective Aug. 10, 2022) broadened presumptive conditions tied to toxic exposures and that counties should re-engage veterans formerly denied benefits.
"The PACT Act... changed everything," Matthew Cummings said, summarizing three PACT Act effects the presenters highlighted: expanded eligibility for toxic-exposure-related health care, widened Agent Orange presumptives to include additional locations and service types, and new presumptives for burn‑pit and Middle East exposures. Presenters stressed that many conditions are now presumptive — meaning beneficiaries may no longer have to prove that the military caused the condition — and urged outreach to veterans who were previously told they were ineligible.
The presenters noted the law lists roughly two dozen (described in discussion as 26) presumptive conditions and that the PACT Act is a living law, with new conditions added since its enactment. Staff recommended counties periodically re‑check veterans' records and conduct proactive outreach so eligible veterans can file claims that may result in ongoing compensation and health‑care access.
They also outlined how community‑care and virtual health options can feed medical records back to the VA, facilitating claims and continuity of care for rural veterans.
Next steps included CDVA offering to help identify outreach candidates and provide training to county staff and VSOs so that more eligible veterans can connect to benefits.
