Initially utilized by the Soviet Union, the Karshi Khanabad (K2) Air Base can be found in Uzbekistan. It was used by US forces following 9/11. The use of the base provided a strategic advantage in the area. However, those at K2 were exposed to various toxic chemicals as a result. The PACT Act opened the door for those affected to receive military base toxic exposure Veterans disability benefits. Now, new efforts are streamlining the process even further. Here’s everything K2 Veterans need to know.
Why the US Went to the Karshi Khanabad Air Base
Because the Karshi-Khanabad Air Base is in southeast Uzbekistan, right over the border from Tajikistan, and is in strategic proximity to Afghanistan, 7,000 people working for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) were sent to K2.
Also known as Camp Stronghold Freedom, K2 held the American Armed Forces between 2001 and 2005 as we fought the Taliban and al-Qaeda during Operation Enduring Freedom.
Primarily, the 416th Air Expeditionary Group called K2 was involved until America vacated completely between May and November 2005 after relations soured while unrest spread throughout Uzbekistan.
K2 Pollution
Many occupational hazards go into serving our nation. However, the hazards at K2 continue affecting those in the military community.
Various contaminations from the Soviet era were found at K2, including jet fuel plumes, asbestos, and low-level radioactive processed uranium. This is due to the destruction of missiles beforehand.
Reports of black goo seen coming from the ground, a pond that showed brightly green, and contaminated rainwater flooding tents where service members stayed only highlighted these hazards further.
Sadly, for many Veterans of Karshi Khanabad Air Base, these conditions would lead to cancer. Adding to the problems, not everyone was accounted for in terms of lingering health problems.
While the DoD took action to help limit toxic exposure, many K2 Veterans criticize them as not enough.
Furthermore, multiple entities (including the VA) denied issues connected to K2 and the increase in cancer in some Veterans.
The K2 Veterans Care Act of 2021
Despite the VA and others not confirming issues found at K2, there was still a push to provide Veterans with benefits.
The K2 Veterans Care Act of 2021 didn’t pan out. However, the idea was to provide a presumption of specific, service-connection health issues to those who served at the post.
By doing so, benefits for healthcare and disability would be available.
The PACT Act is Helping K2 Veterans
While the K2 Veterans Care Act was unsuccessful, the PACT Act opened up the door for the military toxic exposure list to a variety of Veterans, including those at the Karshi Khanabad Air Base.
K2 Veterans can apply for benefits through the VA. Beginning in 2024, service-connected designation is finally being granted.
If You Served at the Karshi Khanabad Air Base, Here’s How to Expedite Your VA Claim
Because K2 Veterans are now receiving a service-connected designation, disability claims can be expedited, to help those affected receive the help they deserve, quicker.
Even if you aren’t sure if you have a health condition, if you served at the Karshi Khanabad Air Base, the VA is encouraging you to apply for disability benefits or healthcare online or by calling 1-800-MYVA411.
K2 Veterans may have symptoms similar to Gulf War Illness or no obvious conditions at all.
If you are a Veteran who served at the Karshi Khanabad Air Base, you may want to consider exploring your compensation options.
Suggested reads:
- Here’s How Veterans Can Access Hearing Aids Through the VA
- VA Burn Pit Registry Expansion Is Improving Healthcare for Vets
- Your Ultimate Veterans Benefits Guide for the VA and Much More
