CONCORD – U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02) is calling for passage of the Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act of 2020, legislation to remove barriers and help ensure benefits for veterans suffering from illnesses associated with exposure to toxic burn pits. The Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act, which Kuster is a cosponsor of, would only require a veteran to show proof of deployment in 34 countries named in the bill or receipt of a service-medal associated with the Global War on Terror or the Gulf War to receive benefits.

“We cannot stand by while the men and women who have served our nation in uniform go without access to the health care and services they need,” said Kuster. “Countless veterans were potentially exposed to dangerous chemicals from toxic burn pits during their service. They should not have to fear that illness from exposure to these chemicals will not be covered by the VA. Last year, we tried to right a serious wrong by extending presumptive benefits to Vietnam veterans who suffered for decades without the recognition they deserved. We must learn from the failure to properly serve Vietnam veterans and pass the Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act immediately.”

This Congress, Kuster helped to pass the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act, which was signed into law to ensure “Blue Water” Navy veterans get the disability and health care benefits they deserve as a result of exposure to the dangerous pesticide Agent Orange during the Vietnam War.

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