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Elder Practice and the PACT Act: Expanded Benefits for Veterans, Implications for Pursuing VA Disability Benefits

A live 90-minute CLE video webinar with interactive Q&A

This program is included with the Strafford CLE Pass. Click for more information.
This program is included with the Strafford All-Access Pass. Click for more information.

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

1:00pm-2:30pm EST, 10:00am-11:30am PST

or call 1-800-926-7926
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This CLE webinar will provide elder law counsel with guidance on the essential elements of the Sergeant First Class (SFC) Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act. The panel will discuss eligibility criteria for pursuing VA benefits, presumptive conditions, and the filing and appeals process.

Description

The PACT Act, signed into law in August 2022, is a significant expansion of VA healthcare and benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances during their service. The legislation is particularly relevant for elder law attorneys who assist aging veterans and their families in navigating the complexities of VA benefits.

The Act addresses toxic exposure among veterans, particularly those who served in Vietnam, the Gulf War, and the post-9/11 era. The Act simplifies the process for veterans to receive disability compensation by establishing presumptive conditions for various illnesses linked to toxic exposure, such as cancers and respiratory diseases. This means veterans no longer need to prove a direct connection between their service and their illness, significantly easing the burden of proof.

Counsel must be well-versed in the specifics of the Act to effectively advocate for their clients. This includes understanding the expanded eligibility criteria, the list of presumptive conditions, and the procedural requirements for filing claims. Additionally, attorneys should be prepared to assist surviving spouses and dependents who may also be eligible for benefits under the Act. The PACT Act not only impacts veterans but also extends its reach to their families, ensuring they receive the support they deserve.

Listen as our panel of experts discusses the PACT Act and its significance, eligibility criteria and presumptive conditions, filing claims, and impacts on elder law practitioners and their clients.

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Outline

  1. Overview of PACT Act
    1. Historical context and legislative background
    2. Key provisions
  2. Eligibility and presumptive conditions
    1. Eligibility criteria
    2. Presumptive conditions
    3. Examples of successful claims
  3. Filing a claim
    1. Process
    2. Avoiding common pitfalls
    3. Appeals process for denied claims
  4. Impact on elder law practice
    1. How the PACT Act affects clients, counsel, and the pursuit of VA disability benefits
    2. Strategies for integrating PACT Act into legal practice
    3. Collaboration with medical professionals and other experts

Benefits

The panel will review these and other key issues:

  • PACT Act key features
  • Recent updates to PACT Act regulations
  • Avoiding common pitfalls in the application process
  • Legal implications for elder law, including estate planning and healthcare considerations

Faculty

Davidson, Dale
Dale Davidson
Attorney
Davidson Law Offices

Mr. Davidson has more than 25 years of experience in the areas of estate planning, elder law, guardianships,...  |  Read More

Additional faculty
to be announced.
Attend on January 15

Cannot Attend January 15?

You may pre-order a recording to listen at your convenience. Recordings are available 48 hours after the webinar. Strafford will process CLE credit for one person on each recording. All formats include course handouts.

To find out which recorded format will provide the best CLE option, select your state:

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