With a Sept. 30 deadline for veterans to apply for benefits under the PACT Act, we are opening a conversation on the role the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs plays in providing for the well-being of those who served in the nation’s military.

Rep. Pat Ryan, who graduated from West Point and served five years in the U.S. Army, joined JoDee Kenney to talk about his experience and urge other veterans to apply. The PACT Act, Rep. Ryan said, eliminates much of the bureaucracy historically associated with enrolling for VA benefits. For veterans exposed to toxic substances from Agent Orange in Vietnam to burn pits and other harmful environments on up to the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, Ryan said the PACT Act added additional coverage for resulting medical conditions. For veterans who may be hesitant to apply or who may not be experiencing any symptoms now, the congressman said it is never to early to ensure health care coverage and other services are there for you in the future. Mental health for veterans is another priority for Ryan. He said the COMPACT Act expanded free mental health coverage for any veteran in crisis, regardless of whether they receive care at a VA medical center. Rep. Ryan also highlighted benefits beyond health care that are available to veterans, and the sense of community the VA system provides.

If you are a veteran, you can file a claim for PACT Act-related disability compensation at www.va.gov or by calling (800) 698-2411

You can watch the full interview with Rep. Pat Ryan via the video player above. And be sure to tune in for a look inside the biggest issues impacting upstate New York on In Focus with JoDee Kenney — every Sunday on Spectrum News 1.