Notice of Plans To Assess the Current Scientific Literature and Historical Detailed Claims Data Regarding Neurodegenerative Outcomes and Selected Military Environmental Exposures; Annual Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise To Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act Public Listening Session and Request for Comments
Published Date: 2/10/2026
Notice
Summary
The VA is diving into the science and past claims to see how military environmental exposures might link to brain diseases like Parkinson’s. Veterans and their families could see changes in how these conditions are recognized and helped under the PACT Act. You can share your thoughts by April 13, 2026, and join a live online chat on May 14, 2026, to learn more and speak up!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Possible New VA Presumptions
VA will review National Academies (NASEM) findings about links between military environmental exposures (for example pesticides, jet fuels, solvents, heavy metals, PFAS, and fine particulate matter) and neurodegenerative diseases (including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, motor neuron diseases, peripheral neuropathy, transverse myelitis, neuromyelitis optica, and inclusion body myositis). If VA's formal evaluation is initiated, it could lead to a recommendation to establish new presumptions of service connection for these conditions, which would change how veterans' benefits claims are decided. If a formal evaluation starts, VA must submit a recommendation within 120 days and the Secretary must decide within 160 days.
Public Input Opportunities and Deadlines
You can submit public comments on VA's planned assessment by April 13, 2026, and attend a virtual listening session on May 14, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. EST (registration required). To request to speak or submit materials for the session, register and send materials by April 30, 2026 at Noon EST; requests for special accommodations must be made by April 24, 2026 at Noon EST.
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