Urgency Promised In Implementing New Presumptive Rules

Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough has promised an “urgent” review of new rules regarding presumptive benefits status for Vietnam veterans suffering from serious illnesses related to toxic chemical defoliant exposure, but offered no specific timeline for when veterans may see those changes put in place. “We’re under the gun on this, and I think that’s a good thing,” McDonough told reporters during a press conference on 23 FEB. “I feel some urgency on this … and we are trying to get spun up on it.”

     In January the VA leadership team said it could be months or years before veterans suffering from bladder cancer, hypothyroidism and Parkinson’s-like symptoms — three new conditions added presumptive benefits list by Congress last year — would see any benefits from the change in law. 

Source:  MilitaryTimes | Leo Shane III | February 23, 2021 (edited)