Chairman Takano Praises New VA Rule on Toxic Exposure, Urges Comprehensive Legislative Solution

WASHINGTON, D.C —Today, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mark Takano (D-Calif.) praised VA Secretary Denis McDonough’s action to begin processing disability claims for asthma, rhinitis and sinusitis on a presumptive basis based on presumed particulate matter exposures during military service in Southwest Asia and certain other areas in the following statement.

“I am pleased to see Secretary McDonough’s announcement today that VA will begin processing claims for veterans experiencing asthma, rhinitis and sinusitis following exposure to toxic substances and will finally recognize these conditions as presumptive. Having lost his son Beau to brain cancer in 2015 that is believed to be related to toxic exposure, President’s Biden’s commitment to addressing toxic exposure for our nation’s veterans is deeply personal. This bold and decisive action is further proof that this administration is making good on its promises. These three conditions are included in my bipartisan Honoring our PACT Act, and I’m glad to see these veterans will be able to access key benefits-- but there are still far too many veterans left behind who cannot afford to wait much longer. We need to pass comprehensive legislation now to ensure that all veterans can access the care and benefits they’ve earned.”

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