Veterans with war-related respiratory issues will now be served.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has expanded its healthcare and compensation benefits to include those who suffer from respiratory conditions due to military service. The expansion applies specifically to those who served in the Persian Gulf War, in the Southwest Asia Theater of Operations, and in the airspace above those locations.
Many troops serving in each of these operations were exposed to a number of inhalable pollutants, and the VA will cover treatment for rhinitis, sinusitis, and asthma as a result. The department estimates that 3.2 million veterans were affected by pollutant exposure, and due to the high number, no proof of exposure will be necessary for veterans to qualify.
“I announced my intent to initiate rulemaking on May 27 to consider adding respiratory conditions to the list of chronic disabilities,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “Through this process I determined that the evidence provided was sufficient to establish presumptions of service connection for these three respiratory conditions. This is the right decision, and VA will continue to use a holistic approach in determining toxic exposure presumptives moving forward.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For VA officials as they process applicants for care who were exposed to particulates.
- For Secretary McDonough as he heads the VA Department.
- For all veterans, active and inactive, who have adverse health conditions related to their service.
Sources: Military.com, VA.gov
