The White House is expanding health care for veterans exposed to wood holes

The White House on Thursday marked Veterans Day by announcing expanded health resources for people exposed to trenches and other environmental risks during their time in the military.

Assistance to those exposed to burning pits has been a personal issue for President BidenJoe BidenJudge rejects Trump’s request to postpone the release of 6. January documents on appeal On The Money – Biden’s fight against inflation Overnight Defense & National Security – Concerns over Russia grow MORE, who on several occasions has talked about how he thinks his son Beau Biden’s exposure to them may have been linked to the brain cancer that killed him in 2015.

The White House outlined in a fact sheet a series of steps taken to help those who have been exposed to burning pits or other contaminants during serving. The administration said the Department of Veterans Affairs would develop a test model to better understand whether veterans have developed certain health problems as a result of exposure to environmental hazards.

In August, the VA began treating disability claims for asthma, rhinitis and sinusitis based on presumed exposure to particles. Those who served in Southwest Asia and other areas who developed these conditions within 10 years of their service can now apply for disability benefits and VA provided health care.

The VA will also use a new model to review evidence of whether there is an association between exposure to environmental hazards during military service and the development of respiratory cancer and constrictive bronchiolitis.

Among the other steps being taken include efforts to raise awareness of VA benefits for veterans who have developed health risks or conditions related to exposure to wood holes or other hazards. The agency plans to host Q&A sessions on the new disability eligibility and publish new public service announcements.

“The administration will continue to prioritize efforts to support veterans who were exposed to environmental hazards during their military service,” the White House said. “At the same time, the administration will work with Congress on its encouraging ongoing efforts to ensure that we are able to quickly and fairly recognize further assumptions about service-related disability, in order to live up to our sacred obligation to provide veterans with care, they have served. “

Former “The Daily Show” host Jon Stewart has been among the loudest advocates in recent years in pushing for Congress and the VA to recognize health conditions developed after exposure to wood holes in the wake of 9/11.

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