Watchdog: VA may have overpaid millions in Gulf War Syndrome benefits
Investigators estimate that the Veterans Benefits Administration “prematurely” approved thousands of claims.
Veterans
Veterans see historic expansion of benefits for toxic exposure
The first anniversary of the PACT Act, sweeping toxic exposure legislation expanding health and disability benefits for veterans, is Thursday.
New in 2022: When will all burn pit victims finally get veterans benefits?
Advocates saw progress on their efforts in 2021, but hope for even more in 2022.
Supreme Court rejects appeal from veterans in burn pit lawsuit against KBR, Halliburton
The ruling means that private companies involved in burn pit operations will likely not face punishment for their role.
As burn pit problems linger, advocates worry VA and DoD are moving too slow
Despite years of reports of rare illnesses from toxic exposure, advocates say the departments aren't doing enough.
New burn pit report: Lung disease, high blood pressure common in exposed vets
Troops who worked at burn pits or were exposed to multiple dust storms in war zones have higher rates of respiratory illnesses and two rare, often fatal, lung diseases.
DoD concedes rise in burn-pit ailments
The Pentagon has acknowledged that although Joint Base Balad’s burn pit closed last fall, “There is still lots of burn-pit exposure throughout theater.”
Balad’s ill wind
Burn pits operate on U.S. bases throughout Iraq and Afghanistan, and troops have reported respiratory and heart problems, cancers and neurological diseases.
Army doctors link soldier’s lung disease to Iraq burn pits
Since Military Times began reporting about burn pits, 400 troops have contacted Disabled American Veterans to say they have breathing problems or cancers.
Burn pits have ailing troops seeing red
Army 1st Sgt. Lynette Streitfield was at Balad, the largest U.S. base in Iraq, for three weeks before she had her first-ever asthma attack.
Troops: Burn-pit smoke caused health problems
More than 100 service members have written to Military Times saying they have health problems stemming from exposure to burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan.