Leukemia and Multiple Myeloma Set to Be Added to List of Conditions Linked to Burn Pits

When the PACT Act was enacted in 2022, it included a long list of conditions that were presumed service-connected for veterans who had been exposed to burn pits during their military service. In addition to the listed conditions, the statute also created a presumptive service connection for: 

Any other disease for which the Secretary determines, pursuant to regulations prescribed under subchapter VII that a presumption of service connection is warranted based on a positive association with a substance, chemical, or airborne hazard identified in the list under section 1119(b)(2) of this title

Now, the VA is exercising that authority to add both multiple myeloma and leukemia to the list of conditions presumed service-connected for veterans who suffered certain toxic exposures.

Federal Rulemaking is Required to Add New Conditions

President Biden announced the move to expand the list of cancers presumed service-connected for veterans exposed to burn pits during his 2024 Veterans’ Day address. But those changes won’t take place right away. The changes must go through the federal rulemaking process. The Biden administration plans to start that process before the administration changes in January.

Adding multiple myeloma and leukemia to the list of service-connected conditions is just one of the recent initiatives to make healthcare and/or VA disability benefits more accessible to veterans. For example, the VA recently proposed eliminating copays for telehealth visits and expanding access to emergency triage through telehealth. And, the VA is taking steps to expand access to healthcare and other VA disability benefits to veterans who served at Karshi-Khanabad Air Base in Uzbekistan. 

Keeping Up to Date is Critical

If you suffered toxic exposures during your military service, it’s important to know that the VA’s research is continuing. As new information is analyzed, the VA may add both service locations where veterans are presumed to have been exposed to toxins and medical conditions presumptively connected to those exposures. If you’re unsure whether you qualify for benefits or how to gather and submit the necessary information to demonstrate your eligibility, an experienced VA disability benefits advocate can be your best resource. Contact Veterans Help Group today at 800-800-3332 to learn more about how we can help or click here to contact us today.

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