Navigation VA Expands Presumptive Service Connection for Toxic Exposure-Related Conditions
In a significant expansion of benefits for Veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs is adding several cancers to the list of presumed service-connected conditions. Effective January 2, 2025, urinary bladder, ureter, and related genitourinary cancers will be presumed service-connected. Additionally, beginning January 10, 2025, acute and chronic leukemias, multiple myelomas, myelodysplastic syndromes, and myelofibrosis will receive the same designation. These updated presumptive conditions apply to Gulf War Veterans, those who served in Somalia or the Southwest Asia theater of operations, including Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and surrounding regions, on or after August 2, 1990. Post-9/11 Veterans, those who served in Afghanistan, Iraq, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Uzbekistan, or at Karshi-Khanabad (K2) after September 11, 2001. By establishing these presumptions, the VA eliminates the need for affected Veterans to prove a direct link between their military service and their illness, ensuring faster access to critical healthcare and benefits.
This initiative builds upon the PACT Act of 2022, the most significant expansion of Veterans’ benefits in decades. The PACT Act greatly expanded access to benefits, launched widespread outreach campaigns, and has significantly increased the VA’s ability to provide care to Veterans. Since 2020, more than 1.3 million Veterans have enrolled in VA healthcare, with over $600 billion in earned benefits distributed to Veterans, families, and survivors. According to VA Secretary Denis McDonough, “At VA, our goal is to provide every Veteran with the care and benefits they have earned. Adding these conditions to our list of presumptive ensures that more Veterans receive the support they deserve.” This expansion also strengthens support for K2 Veterans, who served at the Karshi-Khanabad base in Uzbekistan. By continuing to expand access to healthcare and disability benefits, the VA reaffirms its commitment to honoring and supporting those who served. These changes represent a crucial step in addressing the long-term health challenges faced by Veterans exposed to hazardous conditions during their service.
Understanding the crucial role that healthcare plays in the lives of Veterans, Gardberg and Kemmerly vigilantly monitor developments in this area to offer the most current and beneficial information. If you have a disability claim and need assistance, our seasoned Veterans’ Disability attorneys are here to help. We are dedicated to assisting injured and disabled Veterans in securing the benefits they rightfully deserve. For personalized support with your disability claim, do not hesitate to contact us at 251-343-1111 or toll-free at 1-800-332-1529 for a free consultation. We are honored to serve Veterans from our office in Mobile, Alabama.The post VA Expands Presumptive Service Connection for Toxic Exposure-Related Conditions first appeared on Gardberg & Kemmerly, P.C. Attorneys at Law.
