In March 2023, the Biden Administration announced the 2024 fiscal year budget proposal, which includes critical support for various U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs. Most notably, the budget provides robust health care and benefits for toxic exposure veterans.
Compared to the previous fiscal year, the new budget includes more than $16 billion in funding, making it the largest budget proposal for veterans in U.S. history. A reported $15 billion of the proposed increase will go to the Cost of War Toxic Exposures Fund, which directly supports veterans impacted by toxic exposures.
In a news statement posted by the VA, Secretary Denis McDonough stated, “With these historic investments, we at VA can continue to deliver more care and more benefits to more veterans than ever before in our nation’s history.”
The new budget, if accepted, would go into effect on October 1, 2023, and could provide critical care and financial assistance to veterans with mesothelioma. Veterans and their families impacted by water contamination at Camp Lejeune would also be supported by the budget changes.
Mesothelioma Veterans Center helps veterans exposed to asbestos and other toxic exposures get the financial compensation they need for their treatment. Download a Free Veterans Packet to see how we can help you.
More Veterans Receiving Needed Care
Veterans made tremendous sacrifices to serve their country. However, many developed serious illnesses years or even decades after their service.
Exposure to toxins while they served — asbestos, contaminated water, Agent Orange, and more — may have caused their illness in many cases.
When the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022 (PACT Act) passed in August 2022, some veterans previously barred from getting VA benefits for their illnesses were now eligible to file for benefits.
The PACT Act dramatically improved access to health care and financial assistance for thousands of veterans. In fact, more than 360,000 claims have been submitted since its passing.
The VA is continuing to participate in extensive outreach programs to educate more and more veterans of the benefits they may be eligible for.
With even more funding in the next fiscal year, additional veterans could finally receive the care and compensation they need to provide for their families even amidst serious illnesses.
Get Help Filing for Toxic Exposure Benefits From the VA
Approximately 1,000 veterans are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. Thousands more are at risk of developing the aggressive cancer or other serious illnesses since they were exposed to asbestos while serving decades ago.
While understanding how to get help is confusing, Mesothelioma Veterans Center is here to support you.
We can get you in touch with a VA-accredited attorney who can help you compile all the information you need to file your VA benefits claim. We can also help connect you with mesothelioma doctors and other financial assistance options.
Call us at (877) 450-8973 to get started.
