VET PFAS Act

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.

The VET PFAS Act, also known as Bill 118 hr 4249, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress that aims to address the issue of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure among veterans. PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that have been linked to various health problems, including cancer, immune system disorders, and reproductive issues.

The VET PFAS Act specifically focuses on providing medical care and services to veterans who have been exposed to PFAS during their military service. The bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a registry of veterans who were exposed to PFAS and to provide them with comprehensive medical examinations and treatment for any health conditions related to PFAS exposure.

Additionally, the VET PFAS Act requires the VA to conduct research on the health effects of PFAS exposure among veterans and to develop a plan for addressing PFAS contamination at military installations. The bill also includes provisions for increasing public awareness of PFAS exposure risks and for providing training to VA healthcare providers on how to diagnose and treat PFAS-related health conditions. Overall, the VET PFAS Act aims to ensure that veterans who have been exposed to PFAS during their military service receive the care and support they need to address any health issues related to this exposure. By establishing a registry, conducting research, and providing medical care and services, the bill seeks to improve the health and well-being of veterans who have been affected by PFAS contamination.