Certain cancers amongst K2 Veterans may soon qualify for expedited claims
Karshi-Khanabad Air Base was used by the U.S. to support missions in Afghanistan as part of the global war on terror. The base was one square mile in southeastern Uzbekistan and was used from 2001-2005. Roughly 16,000 troops were deployed there.
The VA Secretary recently announced that the department will begin the process for adding urethra, bladder and other genitourinary cancers to the list of presumptive conditions related to service at K2 Air Base. While those are the conditions in focus right now, there is a desire to establish presumptive service connection for every condition associated with those who served at K2.
Reports have shown the base was heavily contaminated with toxic substances, which had led to veterans who served there reporting cases of pancreatic, brain and colon cancers among others.
The pursuit of adding these conditions through the federal process is a product of the process that was implemented leading up to the passage of the PACT Act. The new process enabled the VA to consider their own claims data, along with scientific research to grant presumptive status.
Are there any other service locations the VA may add for presumptive conditions in the future?
The VA has outlined plans to include more locations where herbicides were stored, tested, and used. In the proposal, locations would be added in the United States, Canada, and India for Agent Orange. This expansion would be in addition to the existing eligibility requirements for Agent Orange Exposure and disability compensation. Read more here: https://www.repforvets.com/va-proposed-rule-agent-organge-exposure/
What does it mean when a condition is considered “presumptive” by the VA?
Presumptive service connection means VA automatically assumes service connection for the disease and provides benefits to eligible Veterans who have submitted claims with evidence of a diagnosis. It’s also possible you may be eligible for special monthly compensation.