The VA wants to expand benefits for veterans with 9 rare cancers, and the U.S. House passed a major toxic exposures bill. Here’s a summary of two plans in the national spotlight this week.
Will the VA Decide that Burn Pits Cause Cancer?
Veterans who were exposed to burn pits and developed cancer will learn next month if the VA will make it easier for them to get disability benefits.
What Are Burn Pits?
Open-air burn pits are areas the military uses to dispose of garbage and other materials including toxins.
Infectious Diseases Linked to Veterans of Gulf Wars
These are the nine infectious diseases that the VA associates with service in the Gulf Wars.
VA extends presumptive period for Gulf War Syndrome
The VA added five years to the presumptive period for unexplained disabilities affecting Persian Gulf War veterans. The presumptive period ends Dec. 31, 2026.
The VA’s List of Blue Water Navy Ships
This is a list from the VA of all of the Blue Water Navy ships that were affected by Agent Orange in Vietnam.