PACT Act deadline extended for Georgia veterans exposed to toxins

(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Isaac Lamberth)
Veterans exposed to toxins during their military service are eligible for expanded health and disability benefits through the PACT Act if they apply by Monday, Aug. 14 -- a newly extended deadline announced this week by the federal Department of Veterans Affairs. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Isaac Lamberth via Flickr)

Advocates are urging veterans exposed to toxins during their military service to apply for expanded health and disability benefits through the PACT Act, which may grant them backdated benefits if they apply by Monday, Aug. 14 — a newly extended deadline announced this week by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Officials say the PACT Act application website experienced technical issues as thousands of people applied in the final hours ahead of the original Aug. 9 deadline.

“Due to high volume, some veterans have received error messages when submitting their intent to file PACT Act claims. If you received one of these messages, don’t worry! We have logged your intent to file and saved your effective date for benefits,” according to a message on the VA website.