Potential Link Between Increased Cancer Rates and Aviation Veterans

1 Views

06/28/23

#AirForce #Cancer #LegalHelpForVeterans #VADisability

For the full article: https://www.legalhelpforvetera....ns.com/2022/05/17/po

00:00 - Introduction
00:14 - Aviator Cancer Examination Study Act
00:51 - 2021 National Defense Authorization Act
01:11 - Eligibility for Service-Connected Disability Benefits
01:34 - Aviator Cancer Studies
02:36 - Pentagon data review
03:27 - Conclusion

Last month, a very important bill was introduced that aims to research a possible link between aviation veterans and increased cancer rates.

The bill was introduced by U.S. Representative August Pfleuger from Texas and is being called the Aviator Cancer Examination Study Act or "ACES Act." If passed, it would require VA to determine the rates of cancer diagnosis' in military air and ground crews and to identify the "chemicals, compounds, agents, or other phenomena" they were exposed to. Additionally, it would require VA to determine whether there is "a scientifically established causal link between such a chemical, compound, agent, or other phenomena and such cancer incidence or mortality risk."

This bill differs from legislation passed in the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act by requiring toxin identification regardless of whether an overall elevated cancer incidence is found. The goal is to ensure individual military aviation veterans with cancer will be able to have their health care covered more quickly.

While the ACES Act is focused on veterans obtaining VA health care, aviation veterans should be aware that they may be eligible for service-connected disability benefits which can be established on a direct basis. This means medical evidence establishes a veteran's cancer was as likely as not caused by an in-service toxic exposure - which is about a 50/50 chance.

If you are an aviation veteran or know one who was exposed to toxic chemicals, please call us for assistance at (800) 693-4800