For years, the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) has been a strong voice, urging for more comprehensive research into the generational legacy of toxic exposures affecting all who bravely served in our armed forces. Sadly, we continue to see reports from veterans of more recent conflicts detailing health issues in their children and grandchildren, highlighting the potential long-term consequences of their service.
This critical need for research gained significant momentum on April 14, 2015, when a bipartisan effort was launched in both houses of Congress. Senator Moran (R-KS) and Senator Blumenthal (D-CT) jointly introduced what became known as “The Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2015.”
The formal Senate bill, identified as S. 901 within the 114th Congress and introduced on April 13, 2015, clearly outlined its purpose:
A BILL To establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs a national center for research on the diagnosis and treatment of health conditions of the descendants of veterans exposed to toxic substances during service in the Armed Forces that are related to that exposure, to establish an advisory board on such health conditions, and for other purposes.
This proposed legislation directly addressed the concern that the residual wounds of war can extend beyond the service member. These health issues might not become apparent for decades after military service and, tragically, could be passed on to their children and subsequent generations.
The Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2015 garnered the support of several prominent veterans’ organizations, including the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), AMVETS, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Rolling Thunder. Their collective endorsement underscored the urgent need to establish a national research center within a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facility. The goal of this center would be to focus on the diagnosis and treatment of health conditions affecting the descendants of individuals exposed to toxic substances during their military service.
The bill specifically recognized various toxic exposures, such as Agent Orange in Vietnam, Gulf War neurotoxins, chemical weapons, and burn pits from the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, as well as other harmful chemicals and toxins.
At Cameron Firm, PC, your dedicated Veteran Appeal Lawyer was closely following the progress of this important legislative action. The potential for this research to impact millions of veterans and their families was significant, and we were committed to keeping our community informed about its developments.
