NEW BURN PIT BENEFITS WON'T LIKELY BEGIN UNTIL NEXT SUMMER

摘要

Disability payouts for new conditions related to burn pit smoke and other combat zone toxic exposure incidents likely won't happen for another six months at the earliest, but Veterans Affairs leaders insist they're moving as quickly as they can to address the problem. "It's still the fastest route from here to making good on what so many of our veterans are owed," said VA Secretary Denis McDonough during a press conference with reporters on Nov. 19. On Veterans Day, White House officials announced plans to dramatically overhaul the process for approving new illnesses and injuries believed connected to military toxic exposure cases. That includes a 90-day review of numerous rare cancers believed linked to military burn pits, with recommendations on whether they should be given fast-track benefits status.