The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) provides benefits for a variety of reasons to those who have served. But what does it take to get them to expand these benefits when the illnesses and conditions are not enough? Legislation is key and for several years, some form of the Veterans Exposed to Toxic PFAS Act has been proposed to help our nation’s heroes get benefits for being exposed to such chemicals. The fight continues and while it’s unclear where the Trump administration falls on this issue, Kamala Harris is backing the expansion of Veteran benefits through the VET PFAS Act.

Veterans Exposed to Toxic PFAS Act Expands VA Benefits

Studies from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) show just how damaging PFAS can be to not only humans but the world around us. This is exactly why the Veterans Exposed to Toxic PFAS Act is so important for those who have served.

It’s believed that virtually everyone in America has been exposed to PFAS.

These hazardous and toxic chemicals are nicknamed forever chemicals because of their resistance to being cleaned up. However, their formal names are per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances.

Dealing with hazardous materials is a part of the job for many and depending on where you serve or the events that happen, you may be more likely to be exposed to the chemicals through other means than simply drinking tap water like most Americans are.

Why Combating Forever Chemicals Is Important

You don’t have to drive an electric vehicle, recycle everything you use, or be a part of an annual protest to realize, that we need to do a better job of taking care of our environment.

An important part of this is improving the amount of forever chemicals we use that can get into our world.

This is a difficult effort for many reasons, but some measures have already been taken.

A key example that translates in both the civilian and military world is the use of PFAS for firefighting.

Although the foams they can create are effective, they have been found to run off into our drinking water.

This affects not only the water we drink but also the food we eat and the land we call home.

Forever chemicals have been known to cause cancers for years. This is why this long-standing battle, evidenced by the creation of the Veterans Exposed to Toxic PFAS Act 2019, along with others in recent years, showcases the need for change.

Getting the VA to find that forever chemicals caused cancer and other negative health effects was only part of the battle.

However, there are now multiple studies of cancer in humans, with evidence pointing to a direct risk of testicular cancer that comes from certain jobs within the American Armed Forces.

Growing Pressure to Pass the Veterans Exposed to Toxic PFAS Act

In recent years, we’ve seen that the VA can expand benefits.

Most notably, the PACT Act has brought forth an overwhelming response for Veterans, rightfully so, seeking benefits because of their exposure to a variety of toxic chemicals.

This is the type of expansion those championing for the VET PFAS Act to pass are hoping can help Veterans facing such health issues.

Now, the excuses have less and less substance to stand on as there is more evidence than ever to support an expansion.

Studies are showing that members across multiple branches of the U.S. military have the risk of exposure and it can affect everything from fertility to causing cancer to an increased chance of asthma to only list a few.

Additional research is still needed and those in the position to do so continue to learn more about the risks of serving and forever chemicals.

However, it’s encouraging to see resources providing answers for our nation’s Veterans while others advocate on their behalf.

Kamala Administration Supports the Veterans Exposed to Toxic PFAS Act

Vice President Kamala Harris is working on becoming the next POTUS and under her administration, Veterans can expect to see an expansion of benefits.

The Harris administration is backing the Veterans Exposed to Toxic PFAS Act to help create better access and improve healthcare and benefits for Vets exposed to harmful PFAS chemicals during military service.

Just as with many other benefits, Harris is backing the expansion of benefits which would also apply to some family members along with Veterans that have experienced PFAS exposure as a service-connected injury.

The evidence is clear, the service was honorable…so why is it taking so long?

Those who decide to defend our country do so for many reasons but we should never forget that their sacrifices are why we are free and ultimately, it’s a place of work.

Companies and organizations are held accountable when workers are exposed to unnecessary risks damaging to their health.

Our Veterans signed up for the potential of facing such challenges, but also with the reasonable expectation that they would be taken care of afterward.

Politics aside, hopefully, regardless of which politicians win their respective roles, our government will do the right thing to provide help for our nation’s heroes.

The Veterans Exposed to Toxic PFAS Act has been a long time coming and it looks like there is hope for such efforts to come to fruition as evidence grows stronger.

Sources:

Our Current Understanding of the Human Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS, EPA. Accessed October 2024. https://www.epa.gov/pfas/our-current-understanding-human-health-and-environmental-risks-pfas

All Information (Except Text) for H.R.4249 - VET PFAS Act, Congress. Accessed October 2024. https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/4249/all-info

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