Sergeant Dave Crete FORGOTTEN Veterans Act of 2026

This bill seeks to enhance benefits for veterans who may have been exposed to toxic substances during their military service at specific locations. It defines "covered locations" to include facilities listed under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 and the Nevada Test and Training Range or Nevada National Security Site. A central provision establishes a presumption of toxic exposure for veterans who served at these covered locations, which is crucial for linking their service to certain diseases for benefits purposes.

To support these efforts, the bill mandates the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), in coordination with the Department of Defense (DoD), to identify affected veterans and establish a registry to collect epidemiological information, inform veterans, and aid in claims adjudication. It also requires a study on potential toxic exposures and environmental hazards at these locations, focusing on associations with cancer. Furthermore, the DoD must classify these locations as contaminated and identify service members stationed there, sharing this information with the VA to facilitate benefits claims.