VET PFAS Act

The "Veterans Exposed to Toxic PFAS Act," or VET PFAS Act , seeks to provide comprehensive support for veterans and their families exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at military installations. Beginning 90 days after enactment, it makes veterans who served at such installations eligible for hospital care and medical services for specific diseases, even if there is insufficient medical evidence directly linking the condition to their service. For exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), covered conditions include diagnosed high cholesterol, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, testicular cancer, kidney cancer, and pregnancy-induced hypertension, while other PFAS-related conditions will be determined by a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) study. The bill extends eligibility for hospital care and medical services to family members of exposed veterans, including those who were in utero, provided they resided at a covered military installation. This care is subject to appropriations and other limitations, such as exhausting third-party claims. Furthermore, the legislation establishes a presumption of service connection for veterans who served at military installations where they were exposed to PFAS, covering the same specified diseases and conditions. This presumption means that these conditions are considered to have been incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, even without a record of the disease during service. Importantly, service by members of the reserve components at these installations is treated as active duty for both healthcare eligibility and service connection purposes. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is also required to submit annual reports to Congress for three years, detailing the care and services provided, including the number of individuals served, conditions treated, and any denials.