![\"22315.jpeg\"](\"https:\/\/www.azuse.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/22315-1691182692.6466-300x300.jpeg\")
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So many vets waited until the last minute to file for retroactive benefits under the PACT Act that they essentially crashed the site (VA.Gov\/PACT Act website). This\u00a0 caused about 18% to receive error messages, wait times on the phone\u00a0 to rise from about 30 seconds to 10-15 minutes, and the deadline to apply be extended until Monday August 14.Military.com<\/a><\/p>\n The online system sent error messages to about 18% of veterans and survivors who were submitting claims as well as notices of intention to file claims, which were due Wednesday to receive retroactive disability payments<\/a> dated to Aug. 10, 2022.<\/p>\n “First and foremost, no veteran or survivor will miss out on a single day of benefits due to this issue,” VA officials said in a statement. “Every veteran or survivor who received an error message while applying for PACT Act benefits can consider their intent to file complete.”<\/p>\n Officials stressed that all those who received error messages had been noted, and the VA plans to reach out to every veteran who received one to verify their intentions.<\/p>\n They added that they are working to decrease hold times on the department’s 1-800-MyVA411 help line, which also experienced an uptick in calls as the PACT Act filing milestone neared.\u00a0 Military.com<\/a><\/p>\n VA officials announced Wednesday night that the deadline for the disability claims or submission of intentions to file a claim is now 11:59 p.m. Aug. 14 for compensation to be backdated to Aug. 10, 2022 — the date the legislation was signed into law. Military.com II<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Maybe it’s just me, but I would think if you wait till the last second to file for something as important as a disability,\u00a0 you sort of deserve what happens. Or maybe deserve a bit extra under the ‘mental’ category.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"