Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) applauds the recent introduction of the Comprehensive and Overdue Support for Troops (COST) of War Recognition Act of 2021, by Senator Jon Tester (D-MT). Having been introduced at a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee markup, the Committee immediately advanced the bill by voice vote with bipartisan support. The health issues caused by burn pits and other toxic chemicals remain a critical issue facing post-9/11 wounded veterans — and a top legislative priority for WWP.
Read more about how WWP has supported other key toxic exposure legislation.
“Wounded Warrior Project believes that any veteran suffering from toxic exposure–related illness should have access to lifesaving health care and the benefits they deserve,” said WWP CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington. “We’re grateful for Senator Tester’s leadership on this issue, and to the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee for taking swift, bipartisan action to advance the bill. This new legislation combines key aspects of multiple toxic exposure bills introduced by this Congress, all pieces of an important and complex puzzle. The result is a comprehensive solution for all veterans who suffer from toxic exposure illnesses, now and in the future. We call on Congress to pass this important bill and send it to the president’s desk without delay.”
The True Cost of War Recognition Act will:
- Grant the Department of Veteran Affairs health care enrollment eligibility to all veterans who suffered toxic exposures while in service, regardless of their service-connected disability claim status.
- Establish presumptive service connection for 11 serious conditions for veterans who were exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances.
- Create a framework that requires the VA to establish presumptive service connection when there is scientific evidence of association between all toxic exposures and illnesses.
- Concede exposure to burn pits and other toxic substances to ease the evidentiary burden on deployed Gulf War and post-9/11 veterans when filing claims for direct service connection.
- Improve toxic exposure training for VA medical and benefits personnel.
Learn more about WWP’s legislative priorities.
About Wounded Warrior Project
Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more.
SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project
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