News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
A Veterans Health Fair Wednesday will help vets understand new benefits made available by the PACT Act.
Congress enacted the new law, expanding veteran health care to cover exposure to burn pits, agent orange and other toxic substances. American Legion Post 46 Commander Richard Buford said it is the largest veterans health care act passed by congress in years and veterans need help navigating that.
“We have many veterans who call us when something has happened, but they aren’t currently in the VA health care system,” Buford said. “Therefore the VA cannot help them, but we really want people to understand that, and we want them to come and talk to our specialist that will be there on Wednesday.”
Other services available at the fair will be living wills for veterans. People from nursing homes and hospice care will be there to answer health questions regarding elderly veterans. The fair will also have several speakers and presenters from the veterans health care field. The event takes place Wednesday from 9am to 2pm at Cookeville Veterans Memorial Building.
Buford said they will use this year’s fair as a way to introduce the PACT Act benefits. Veterans at the event can learn how to start a claim. They can also enroll in VA health care while there.
“If you care about your families you need to come to this health fair and find out what your rights are, what programs are available to help you and to help you be able to take care of your families,” Buford said. “Again, this is open to any veteran in the Upper Cumberland area. Any veteran can come and find out information.”
There will be five service advisors and 63 booths at the event.
“Anyone that has a veteran in their family World War II all the way to Afghanistan,” Buford said. “All the latest information about our health care benefits will be available and will be discussed.”
The Veterans Health Fair is being hosted by the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System.
