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VET PFAS Act
12/29/2022, 10:03 PM
Summary of Bill HR 7089
The VET PFAS Act specifically focuses on providing support and resources to veterans who may have been exposed to PFAS during their military service. The bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a program to provide medical examinations and treatment to veterans who were exposed to PFAS and are experiencing health issues as a result.
Additionally, the bill requires the VA to conduct research on the health effects of PFAS exposure among veterans and to develop a comprehensive plan for addressing PFAS contamination at military installations. The bill also includes provisions for increasing awareness among veterans about the risks of PFAS exposure and for providing training to VA health care providers on how to identify and treat PFAS-related health issues. Overall, the VET PFAS Act aims to ensure that veterans who may have been exposed to PFAS during their service receive the necessary support and care to address any health issues that may arise as a result of that exposure. The bill is currently being considered by Congress and has garnered bipartisan support for its efforts to protect the health and well-being of our nation's veterans.
Congressional Summary of HR 7089
Veterans Exposed to Toxic PFAS Act or the VET PFAS Act
This bill provides eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital care and medical services to veterans and their family members (including those in utero) who have specified conditions and resided at a military installation where individuals were exposed to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS. PFAS are man-made and may have adverse human health effects.
Hospital care and medical services may not be furnished for a condition that is found to have resulted from a cause other than the exposure to PFAS at a military installation.
The VA may provide reimbursement for hospital care or medical services provided to a family member only after the family member or provider has exhausted all claims and remedies otherwise available for payment of such care.
For disability compensation purposes, the bill establishes a presumption of service-connection for specified conditions in veterans who served at a military installation at which individuals were exposed to PFAS. Under a presumption of service-connection, specific conditions diagnosed in certain veterans are presumed to have been caused by the circumstances of their military service. Health care benefits and disability compensation may then be awarded.
