VA takes steps to expand access to benefits for Veterans who served at K2 and their survivors
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced several measures to expand access to VA benefits for Veterans who served at Karshi-Khanabad (K2) base in Uzbekistan after September 11, 2001, and their survivors. These initiatives include:
- Presumptive Condition for Chronic Multi-Symptom Illness: The VA plans to classify Veterans who served in Uzbekistan as Persian Gulf Veterans. This change would make undiagnosed illnesses and medically unexplained chronic multi-symptom illnesses (also known as Gulf War Illness) presumptive conditions for K2 Veterans. This adjustment will reduce the burden of proof required for these Veterans to receive benefits.
- Recognition of Toxic Exposure Risk Activities (TERAs) at K2: The VA intends to acknowledge that K2 Veterans were exposed to several contaminants, such as jet fuel, volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, asbestos roofing tiles, and lead-based paint. The VA is collaborating with the Department of Defense to conduct further research to identify additional exposures.
- Comprehensive Consideration of Toxic Exposures in Claims Processing: The VA will ensure that toxic exposures are thoroughly considered when processing claims from K2 Veterans. Information and training about service at K2, including a list of contaminants Veterans were exposed to, will be provided to all claims processors and examiners. This ensures that each K2 Veteran’s exposure history is taken into account during disability claims processing.
- Pre-Decisional Review of K2 Claims: Before a decision is made on a K2 Veteran’s claim, it will undergo an additional review to confirm that all relevant information, including exposures, has been considered and that all eligible benefits have been granted. This review will apply to original claims for conditions potentially linked to exposures (e.g., it would not apply to claims for unrelated injuries like a knee injury).
Additionally, all Veterans who served at K2 and meet basic eligibility requirements are already eligible to enroll in VA health care, providing access to world-class, low-cost care for all health conditions without needing to apply for disability compensation first. These Veterans are also eligible for presumptive benefits for over 300 conditions covered by the PACT Act, meaning they do not need to prove that their service caused their condition to receive benefits. The VA automatically assumes service connection for the condition and provides benefits accordingly.
Looking ahead, the VA will continue to explore additional ways to support K2 Veterans and their survivors. The VA encourages all Veterans who served at K2 to apply for VA care and benefits by visiting VA.gov or calling 1-800-MYVA411.
“At VA, our goal is to provide every Veteran who served at K2 with the care and benefits that they deserve for their service to our nation — and that’s what this effort is all about,” said VA’s Under Secretary for Benefits Josh Jacobs. “In addition to these important steps forward, we want all Veterans who served at K2 to know that they are currently eligible both to enroll in VA health care (without first applying for VA benefits) and for presumptive benefits for the more than 300 health conditions under the PACT Act. We encourage these Veterans — and their survivors — to apply for VA care and benefits by visiting VA.gov or calling 1-800-MYVA411. We will do everything in our power to get to yes and get you the care and benefits you deserve.”
The VA is conducting extensive outreach to K2 Veterans and their survivors to ensure they receive the care and benefits they have earned. Due in part to these efforts, 13,002 K2 Veterans out of the approximately 16,000 known K2 Veterans are currently enrolled in VA healthcare, and 11,801 are service-connected for at least one condition.
Source: VA News