Investigating the Connection: VA Explores Military Toxin's Impact on Cancer

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is conducting scientific studies to determine whether acute leukemias, chronic leukemias, and multiple myeloma outside of the head and neck should be added to the list of conditions presumed to be caused by exposure to toxic smoke from military burn pits and poor air quality in combat zones. This review could potentially allow thousands more veterans to receive expedited disability benefits. The move is part of the administration's focus on toxic exposure issues and follows the passage of the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT Act). Since the PACT Act was signed into law, the VA has paid out over $1.6 billion in related benefits to veterans and their survivors. Veterans suffering from the three new conditions are encouraged to apply for benefits even before the review is completed.