Welcome to K2 sign (Photo: 1st Sgt. Meyer)
In a major development for Veterans who served at the Karshi-Khanabad, K2, base in Uzbekistan, the VA announced today plans to expand health and benefits coverage for illnesses linked to toxic exposure at the former Soviet base.
Secretary Denis McDonough revealed that the VA will establish presumptive benefits for K2 Veterans who have developed serious conditions like bladder cancer, multiple myeloma, leukemia, and Gulf War Illness as a result of their service.
Relate Article: ACTIVIST JON STEWART PUSHES FOR PACT ACT COVERAGE FOR K2 VETERANS’ RADIATION EXPOSURE
K2 Veterans were among the first to be deployed following the September 11 attacks, facing a hazardous environment at K2, often described as a “toxic soup” of chemical and radioactive contaminants. Colonel Gordon Peters, a K2 Veteran, recalled an intense “chemical odor” that pervaded the base, reinforcing reports that the deployment environment carried severe health risks. Following service at K2, many Veterans returned home only to develop serious illnesses potentially linked to these exposures.
This announcement builds on the VA’s recent steps to support K2 Veterans. Key initiatives include removing the PACT Act’s phased implementation, allowing immediate presumptive benefits for over 300 conditions, and extending VA healthcare to all K2 Veterans, regardless of their claims status.
Additionally, chronic multi-symptom illnesses, or Gulf War Illness, is now considered a presumptive condition for K2 Veterans, addressing a gap in the PACT Act that previously left these Veterans underserved. The VA will revisit each K2 claim with special attention to the toxic exposures at K2, requiring double review before issuing decisions.
The VA’s outreach efforts have resulted in significant enrollment among K2 Veterans, with over 13,000 of the 16,000 known K2 Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare. Approximately 12,000 of these Veterans are receiving benefits, with an average of $30,000 in annual compensation.
While the VA’s new rulemaking will include additional cancers like bladder and genitourinary cancers as presumptive conditions, the agency is also reviewing multiple myeloma, leukemias, and other blood cancers. Preliminary findings suggest these conditions could be added as presumptive illnesses soon, potentially easing the benefits process for affected Veterans.
Secretary McDonough affirmed that the VA’s mission is to recognize all conditions plausibly linked to toxic exposures at K2, grounded in biological science, and to avoid unnecessary delays for Veterans seeking support. With these commitments, the VA moves closer to fulfilling its promise to K2 Veterans who have waited over two decades for acknowledgment and care.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.