U.S. Marines dispose of trash in a burn pit, Afghanistan 2012 (Photo: Cpl Alfred V. Lopez)

Veterans and supporters are pushing for the addition of certain blood cancers to the list of service-connected conditions under the PACT Act, a move that could grant expedited healthcare and benefits to Gulf War and Post-9/11 Veterans.

The VA is conducting a scientific review to determine if acute leukemias, chronic leukemias, and multiple myeloma should be covered by the PACT Act, which expanded benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxins during their military service. The PACT Act, enacted in 2022, has facilitated over $1.6 billion in benefits to Veterans and survivors, with over 700,000 benefit applications.

While multiple myeloma is already included if it originates in the head or neck, advocates argue that leukemias, similar to lymphoma, should also be covered. Advocates argue for the inclusion of these blood cancers, citing instances of affected Veterans, with concerns heightened by the HunterSeven Foundation reporting 145 leukemia, myeloma, or sarcoma-related deaths among 1,239 represented Veterans.

The Stronghold Freedom Foundation revealed three multiple myeloma deaths among its 411 Veteran members, with an average diagnosis age of 32 and death at 35, highlighting the youth of those affected. The VA’s internal process for determining presumptive conditions seeks to alleviate Veterans from proving service-related illnesses. The recent addition of respiratory conditions to the presumptive list raised awareness on the impact of burn pits and pollutants.

Advocates argue that proposed additions to the PACT Act don’t go far enough, stressing the broader impact on Veterans exposed to chemicals or jet fuel beyond listed geographic locations. If approved, eligible Veterans would include those serving in specific regions since the Gulf War or Post-9/11.

Retired Air Force Col. Vincent Alcazar suggests expanding the scope beyond Southwest Asia, echoing concerns from the Wounded Warrior Project, which emphasizes the prevalence of neurological issues, high blood pressure, and multi-symptom illnesses among Post-9/11 Veterans. The ongoing VA review, prompted by Secretary Denis McDonough, seeks to establish connections between blood cancers and military service.

McDonough encourages Veterans with leukemia or multiple myeloma not to wait for the review’s conclusion to apply for benefits, emphasizing the commitment to understanding the connection between these conditions and Veterans’ service. The ongoing effort reflects the administration’s dedication to addressing toxic exposure issues and recognizing the long-term health effects of military service.

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.