The Muscogee Nation of Oklahoma and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will host a free event Thursday, September 17, in Okmulgee to help Veterans and surviving spouses learn about and apply for benefits available under the PACT Act.
The event, “Your Service. Our Mission: Bringing VA Benefits Home,” will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Claude Cox Omniplex, 200 Preston Road in Okmulgee. Lunch will be provided at no cost.
The event is designed to identify and assist Oklahoma Veterans who may have presumptive disabilities related to their military service and could qualify for VA disability compensation, pension benefits and/or VA health care.
Veteran Service Officers will be available to help attendees complete VA disability claim paperwork. VA staff will also provide toxic exposure screenings, assist Veterans with health care enrollment and offer replacements for expired VA identification cards.
Representatives from the Eastern Oklahoma VA Medical Center, Muskogee VA Regional Office, Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, local Vet Centers, Tribal and Indian Health Service programs, Tribal Veteran Service Officers, nonprofit organizations and community partners will be available to answer questions and provide assistance.
A presumptive disability is a medical condition the VA presumes is connected to a Veteran’s military service, even if the condition develops after discharge. Veterans with qualifying conditions may be eligible for compensation.
Spouses and surviving spouses are also encouraged to attend. Survivors may qualify for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation if a Veteran died from a presumptive service-connected condition.
The Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022 expanded VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxic substances during military service.
What to Bring
Veterans are encouraged to bring the following documents, if available:
- Medical records or other medical evidence, including doctor or hospital reports
- Historical or military documents related to the disability being claimed
- Discharge or separation paperwork, such as a DD-214
- Marriage certificates, death certificates and children’s birth certificates when applying for survivor or dependent benefits
Who: All Veterans, their spouses and surviving spouses of Veterans
When: Thursday, September 17, 2026, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Where: Claude Cox Omniplex, 200 Preston Road, Okmulgee, OK 74447
Cost: Free; lunch will be provided
Throughout 2026, the VA is conducting enrollment and claims events in partnership with more than 30 Tribal communities nationwide in an effort to reach Veterans and families who may not be aware of benefits available to them.
