(RightWing.org) – There was some good news for veterans last week when the White House announced new help for victims of pollution from burn pits. Is it enough? Not everyone thinks so – but it’s definitely a start.
Leading veterans group that advocates for victims of Burn Pit toxins is not impressed with Biden/VA announcement today https://t.co/cuUfrDLx9a
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) November 11, 2021
Anyone deployed on an operation since at least the Vietnam War is familiar with the smell of burn pits. Burning the trash is one of those things that happens on deployment – but now, there’s a lot more plastic and hazardous materials going into the pits, and many veterans believe it’s damaged their health. The government finally seems to agree. On November 11 — Veterans’ Day — the administration released a fact sheet detailing expanded aid for troops harmed by burn pit pollution.
Since August, the VA has processed disability claims for veterans who developed asthma, rhinitis and sinusitis within 10 years of deployment in Southwest Asia, including Iraq and Afghanistan. The administration will also do more to let veterans know about the help available to them and work with the VA to improve tests for burn pit-related illnesses. The White House also promised to “quickly and fairly recognize additional presumptions of service-connected disabilities” – in other words, be more willing to believe veterans who say their service harmed their health. It’s about time.
Veterans who need more information can visit the VA website or call 1-800-827-1000.
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