VA Expands Cancer Benefits for Veterans in Specific Locations
In a significant update beginning this Thursday, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has broadened the scope of cancers eligible for benefits for veterans who served in particular areas. This expansion particularly impacts those who were stationed in designated locations during the Gulf War and subsequent conflicts.
Enacted in 2022, the federal PACT Act introduced a streamlined process aimed at alleviating the burden on veterans to demonstrate that their illnesses are service-related.
The VA’s decision follows a comprehensive review of recent studies identifying airborne pollutants as a critical health hazard in regions such as Southwest Asia, Afghanistan, Djibouti, among others. Based on this evidence, the VA has confirmed a sufficient connection to include genitourinary cancers—such as bladder, kidney, and ureter cancer—on the list.
These cancers are associated with exposure to harmful airborne particles emanating from burn pits, which were used to dispose of materials like oil, chemicals, and plastics.
The determination of burn-pit utilization, together with elevated levels of fine particulate pollution, has also led the VA to categorize Egypt, Jordan, and Yemen as regions where veterans have been exposed to toxic substances.
