Rockland Reporter

The legislation would require the VA to provide health care for conditions linked to PFAS exposure. 

On June 21, 2023, Reps. Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Dan Kildee (MI-8) released the following statement after introducing the VET PFAS Act, legislation that would ensure that veterans and families exposed to toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at military installations get health care and benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

"As a member of the bipartisan Congressional PFAS Task Force and a staunch supporter of our veterans, I can say that the VET PFAS Act is necessary now more than ever," said Rep. Lawler (NY-17). "Many of our brave veterans were stationed at military facilities where they were exposed to toxic PFAS chemicals."

"The impacts of PFAS chemical exposure on Americans have come to light more and more in recent years, and studies have indicated that exposure to PFAS chemicals can lead to higher chances of cancer and tumors in organs such as the liver and kidneys, as well as higher cholesterol levels, hypertension, thyroid disease, and more," continued Rep. Lawler (NY-17). "With PFAS contamination reported at over 700 American bases worldwide, veterans and their families are disproportionately impacted."

"Our veterans have sacrificed so much in order to protect our freedoms. We must honor that sacrifice and provide them the care they deserve when they return home. PFAS exposure can lead to significant health challenges for our veterans, and should be treated seriously," concluded Rep. Lawler (NY-17). "The VET PFAS Act will do just that, making PFAS exposure a service-connected disability, ensuring that veterans and their families are eligible for disability payments and medical treatment through the VA."

"We made a promise to those who signed up to serve our country that we’d take care of them and their families. This bill makes good on that promise by ensuring that all service members exposed to toxic chemicals as a part of their military service get the health care they need," said Rep. Kildee (MI-8). "As co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional PFAS Task Force, I am proud to work with Republicans and Democrats to fight to clean up chemical contamination at military bases and get veterans and their families the resources they have earned."

"Our nation has a sacred obligation to care for the men and women who have suffered the ill effects of toxic exposures in the military. DAV strongly supports the VET PFAS Act, as it keeps the promise and removes barriers to service-connected benefits and provides access to VA health care," said Shane Liermann, Deputy National Legislative Director, Disabled American Veterans.

"The American Legion is proud to support the VET PFAS Act. It is vitally important that veterans and their families who were exposed to these toxic substances, while stationed at military installations, receive presumption of service connection, as well as hospital care and medical services," said Vincent J. Troiola, National Commander of the American Legion. "The American Legion has been assisting the veteran community for more than a century and is committed to ensuring veterans receive the care and benefits they have earned."

"Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America proudly supports the VET PFAS Act to get much-needed care for veterans who were exposed to toxins during their military service," said Allison Jaslow, CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. "Exposure to toxic PFAS has been linked time and time again to diagnoses of cancer, birth defects, and thyroid disruption, among other medical conditions."

"Vietnam Veterans and every generation of military personnel and families have been impacted by exposure to PFAS from aqueous film-forming foam while serving on military installations," said Jack McManus, President of Vietnam Veterans of America. “Vietnam Veterans of America fully supports the VET PFAS Act."

Original source can be found here.