4 minute read
VA considers more cancers
VETERANS CHRONICLE
Nine new cancers added to the presumed service-connected list related to particulate matter
By Bryan Lett
VETERANS BENEFIT ADMINISTRATION
On April 26, the Veterans Administration announced the addition of nine rare respiratory cancers to the list of presumed service-connected disabilities due to exposure to fine particulate matter for veterans who served any amount of time in Afghanistan, Djibouti, Syria or Uzbekistan during the Persian Gulf War, from Sept. 19, 2001, to the present, or the Southwest Asia theater of operations from Aug. 2, 1990, to the present.
VA is taking a new approach to making decisions on presumptives, one that takes all available science into account, with one goal in mind – getting today’s veterans, and vets in the decades ahead – the benefits they deserve, as fast as possible.
VA identified, through a focused review of scientific and medical evidence, a biological plausibility between airborne hazards, specifically particulate matter, and carcinogensis of the respiratory tract; the unique circumstances of these rare cancers warrant a presumption of service connection.
Veterans and survivors who had claims previously denied for any of the below respiratory cancers are encouraged to file a supplemental claim for benefits: • Squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx; • Squamous cell carcinoma of the trachea; • Adenocarcinoma of the trachea; • Salivary gland-type tumors of the trachea; • Adenosquamous carcinoma of the lung; • Large cell carcinoma of the lung; • Salivary gland-type tumors of the lung; • Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung and; • Typical and atypical carcinoid of the lung. VA will contact impacted veterans and survivors to inform them about their eligibility and it will provide information on how to apply.
To apply for benefits, veterans and survivors may visit VA.gov or call toll-free at 800-827-1000.
Bryan Lett is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and public affairs specialist for Veterans Benefit Administration Office of Strategic Engagement. Does this sound like someone you know? Find local help and direction in the “How Can I Get Help?” section in this publication.
Mark your calendar for upcoming events
Veterans, supporters, families may enjoy these activities
May 10-31 Veteran
Business Accelerator, presented by North Idaho College, Coeur d’Alene
May 25 43rd annual SCC Spring Fling Car Show, presented by Spokane Community College Car Club, Spokane
May 25 Veterans Garden Dedication, presented by SCC Associated Student Government and Veterans One-Stop, Spokane
May 29 Benefit Concert and Car Show, Greenwood Memorial Terrace, Spokane
June 10-13 WA
Modern Warrior Retreat, presented by Veterans Community Response, Deer Lake
July 16 Stand Down, Newport, presented by Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center
Sept. 17 Stand Down, Wenatchee, presented by Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center
Oct. 1-2 Stand Down Libby, Mont., presented by Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center
Oct. 15 Stand Down, Spokane, presented by Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center
Planning in advance for a veteran's or a loved one's final resting place can eliminate unnecessary delays. Read about preburial benefits on PAGE 9.
VETERANS CHRONICLE
A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW MAY 20, 2022
VETERANS HELP NET
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MANAGING EDITOR Joe Butler
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IN THIS ISSUE
VA considers more cancers ...........................................................................2 Hey Veterans, Did You Know? ......................................................................4 More benefits available for Operation Iraqi Freedom ...........................5 How Can I Get Help?........................................................................................5 Interesting statistics about the Vietnam Wall..........................................6 Benefits available to veterans in WA, ID ...................................................7 Learn the value of veterans cemeteries.....................................................8 Why you should look into burial benefits now........................................9 Advantages of health care from the VA....................................................10 Why pensions matter .....................................................................................12 Local youth chosen for Boys State .............................................................13 Advance care planning is essential.............................................................14 Spokane-area Honor Guard seeks members ...........................................15 Making sense of Survivors Pension Benefit..............................................15
WE BE LIE VE IN VA FINANCING
The United StatesS Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers home loans to active military members, reservists, and retirees, as a benefit of service in our nation’s Armed Forces. Many service members are not aware this earned benefit is available to them; many sellers are not aware of the advantages to VA loans in the transaction process. We encourage all Spokane realtors - to become familiar with this loan type so that we can all join in saying “We believe in VA financing!”
