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US S2821

US S2821
Mark Takai Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act


summary

Introduced
05/10/2018
In Committee
05/10/2018
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
12/31/2018

Introduced Session

115th Congress

Bill Summary

Mark Takai Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act This bill includes veterans who participated in the cleanup of Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands anytime from 1977 through 1980 as radiation exposed veterans for purposes of the Department of Veterans Affairs presumption of service-connection for specified cancers. These veterans thereby become eligible for the same health care and other benefits given to service members who were involved in active nuclear tests. Under a presumption of service-connection, specific disabilities diagnosed in certain veterans are presumed to have been caused by the circumstances of their military service. Health care benefits and disability compensation may then be awarded.

AI Summary

This bill amends the United States Code to include veterans who participated in the cleanup of Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands from 1977 to 1980 as "radiation exposed veterans" for the purposes of the Department of Veterans Affairs' presumption of service-connection for certain cancers and other disabilities. This means these veterans will be eligible for the same health care and disability benefits as those who were involved in active nuclear testing. The presumption of service-connection allows for the specified disabilities to be presumed to have been caused by the circumstances of the veterans' military service, enabling them to receive the corresponding health care and compensation.

Committee Categories

Military Affairs and Security

Sponsors (18)

Last Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. (on 05/10/2018)

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