The National Academies released their assessment of possible relationships between toxic exposures experienced during military service and mental, behavioral, and neurologic health outcomes and chronic multisymptom illness, conducted pursuant to Section 507 of the PACT Act.

For over a century, U.S. service members have battled health issues linked to toxic exposures, from mustard gas in World War I to burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan. Despite efforts by the Department of Veterans Affairs and Congress to streamline benefits, many veterans still face significant delays in accessing the care they need. The recent report by Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) reveals an alarming average wait time of 34.1 years for the VA to recognize these exposures as linked to health conditions. Their recommendations aim to reform the claims process and ensure timely support for all affected veterans. It's time for Congress and the VA to act decisively and leave no veteran behind.