VA Finally Admits Desert Dust Causes Cancer in Veterans
Published Date: 1/10/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting January 10, 2025, veterans who served in certain Southwest Asia and related areas during the Gulf War and after September 11, 2001, can now get automatic VA benefits if they develop certain blood cancers linked to tiny air pollution particles. This change makes it easier and faster for affected veterans to get the help and money they deserve. Veterans and the public can share their thoughts on this rule until March 11, 2025.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Presumed Leukemias and Myelomas for Gulf War Vets
Starting January 10, 2025, veterans who served on active military, naval, air, or space service in the Southwest Asia theater or Somalia on or after August 2, 1990, or in Afghanistan, Syria, Djibouti, Uzbekistan, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, or Yemen on or after September 11, 2001, will have acute leukemias, chronic leukemias, and multiple myelomas (including MGUS) presumed service-connected because of PM2.5 exposure. That means these veterans do not need to prove the exposure link to get VA benefits for those conditions.
MDS and Myelofibrosis Now Presumed
Beginning January 10, 2025, veterans who served in the same listed locations and dates (on or after August 2, 1990, or on or after September 11, 2001, as described) will have myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and myelofibrosis presumed service-connected due to PM2.5 exposure. VA added these conditions because they can progress to acute myeloid leukemia; for example, about 30%–40% of people with MDS progress to AML and MDS five‑year survival is reported at about 37%.
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