Veterans and their families exposed to toxic chemicals at military installations may soon see long-awaited changes to how their health care needs are addressed. Congress introduced the Veterans Exposed to Toxic PFAS Act (VET PFAS Act) and the Care for Veterans Act, aimed to ensure those impacted by toxic exposure receive the medical treatment and benefits they deserve.
Introduced by Congressmen Dan Kildee (D-MI-05) and Brendan Boyle (D-PA-2) alongside U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), these bills represent a significant step forward in addressing the consequences of exposure to hazardous substances, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
The Veterans Exposed to Toxic PFAS Act (VET PFAS Act)
The VET PFAS Act focuses on veterans and their families who were exposed to PFAS chemicals at military sites. This legislation would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to:
- Treat illnesses linked to PFAS exposure as service-connected disabilities.
- Provide eligible veterans and their families with disability payments and medical treatment.
The legislation builds on a nationwide health study mandated by the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act and Fiscal Year 2018 Appropriations Bill. This study, which was initiated through efforts by Kildee, Boyle, and Stabenow, is expected to confirm links between PFAS exposure and several serious health conditions. Once completed, the findings will guide the VA in covering additional illnesses associated with PFAS.
The Act already references a previous study of 68,000 people in West Virginia, which linked PFAS exposure to conditions such as high cholesterol, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, testicular cancer, kidney cancer, and pregnancy-induced hypertension.
The Care for Veterans Act
While the VET PFAS Act focuses on PFAS, the Care for Veterans Act addresses toxic exposure to VOCs, such as trichloroethylene (TCE). TCE, a chemical used in industrial and military applications, has been found at sites like the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base. The legislation seeks to ensure veterans and their families exposed to TCE receive appropriate health care services and disability benefits through the VA.
Together, these bills address a longstanding gap in benefits and medical coverage for individuals exposed to harmful substances during their military service.
Legislative Context and Support
Both pieces of legislation reflect years of advocacy from lawmakers and community groups who have pushed for justice for those impacted by toxic exposure.
Democratic Congressman Dan Kildee, who represents Michigan’s 5th District, has been a vocal advocate for veterans and their families dealing with PFAS exposure. He highlighted the importance of these bills in fulfilling the nation's promise to its service members:
"We made a promise to our veterans who signed up to serve this country that we'd take care of them and their families. These bills make 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."
Democratic Senator Debbie Stabenow, another champion of the legislation, emphasized the impact these chemicals have had on Michigan communities and veterans:
"Michigan veterans and their loved ones who were exposed to PFAS, TCE, and other toxic chemicals during their military service are living with incredible uncertainty. Our legislation will ensure that service members and their families get the health care services and benefits they need from the VA."
Democratic Congressman Brendan Boyle, who has been a leader in addressing PFAS contamination, stressed Congress's duty to support veterans impacted by these exposures:
"Veterans and their families exposed to these chemicals as a consequence of their public service deserve the full support and attention of the federal government. Just as the military leaves no one behind on the battlefield, we must leave no veteran behind at home."
Boyle has been active on PFAS-related issues as a member of the bipartisan PFAS Task Force and was a leading proponent of the Honoring Our PACT Act, which expanded access to care for veterans exposed to toxic substances during military service.
The Urgency of Legislative Action
This legislation comes at a pivotal moment. Senator Stabenow and Congressman Kildee have announced their retirements at the end of the current legislative session, making it critical for Congress to act swiftly to ensure these measures pass into law.
The VET PFAS Act and the Care for Veterans Act align with broader legislative efforts, such as the Honoring Our PACT Act, to address toxic exposures as a cost of military service. These initiatives reflect growing recognition of the long-term impacts of chemical exposure on service members and their families, as well as the federal government’s responsibility to address these harms.
Looking Ahead
While these bills mark significant progress, much work remains to be done. For veterans and their families, the legislation offers hope for long-overdue recognition of the health impacts of toxic exposure. However, the success of these measures will depend on continued advocacy and legislative momentum.
Communities near military installations, environmental groups, and veterans’ organizations will play a vital role in ensuring these bills receive the attention and support they need in Congress. As lawmakers debate these issues, the voices of those directly impacted will remain a critical force for change.
How The Downs Law Group Can Help
At The Downs Law Group, we specialize in helping veterans, military families, and civilians impacted by PFAS exposure seek justice against manufacturers of these toxic chemicals. If you or a loved one has been exposed to PFAS or TCE at a military base and are experiencing related health issues, it’s critical to act quickly.
Call us today for a FREE case review to see how much you may be owed at (305) 444-8226 or email [email protected]. The time to act is now—don’t wait to pursue the justice you deserve.