Biden Administration Enhances Benefits for Veterans with Cancer Linked to Burn Pits

Politics

10 months ago

News sources:

Credited from: USATODAY

The **Biden administration** has expanded benefits for veterans suffering from **cancer related to burn pit exposure**, especially those deployed during the Gulf War and post-9/11.
This update to the **PACT Act** lowers the burden of proof for these veterans, allowing those approved for benefits to receive **full coverage** for their cancer treatment by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
The administration forecasts that **tens of thousands of veterans** diagnosed with newly recognized cancers will qualify for benefits over the next decade, with an allocated budget of **$4.5 billion** for this expansion.
The recent changes, effective for some cancers last week and for others this week, now include specific types of **leukemia and bladder cancers**, prompting veterans with prior denials to reapply.
This initiative follows significant advocacy for veterans, providing **health screenings** for toxic exposure at VA appointments and addressing longstanding issues linked to toxic waste disposal practices in war zones.

Read more about the expansion of veterans' benefits here.