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WASHINGTON, DC — Representatives Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) and Glenn "GT" Thompson (PA-15) led a bipartisan letter to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today urging them to provide an update on the implementation of an epidemiological study for Fort McClellan veterans. The provision, authored by Tonko, was included in the Honoring our PACT Act, which was signed into law in August 2022 and calls on the VA to conduct a study on the health trends of veterans who served in the Armed Forces at Fort McClellan in Anniston, Alabama at any time during the period beginning January 1, 1935, and ending on May 20, 1999.

“Veterans and their families across our districts and the nation have been profoundly impacted by their service at Fort McClellan,” Congressman Tonko said. “After years of suffering, the advance of the Honoring our PACT Act marked a pivotal moment and acknowledgement of the lasting health impacts for toxic-exposed veterans. A study of the health trends of those who served at Fort McClellan will be crucial in understanding and addressing these health impacts. I’m urging the VA to provide a timely and comprehensive update on the progress of this study.”

“Those previously stationed at Fort McClellan deserve answers to potential long-term health effects caused by exposure they may have encountered,” Rep. Thompson said. “We must keep our promise to protect our veterans, and therefore I urge Secretary McDonough to provide a thorough update on the significant concerns of these service members.”

Despite the VA’s acknowledgement that veterans stationed at Fort McClellan may have been exposed to radioactive compounds, chemical warfare agents and airborne PCBs, the VA has declined to grant a presumption of service-connected disability based on that service for long-term severe health complications later in life.

The Honoring our PACT Act took critically needed action to treat toxic exposure as a cost of war by addressing the full range of issues impacting toxic-exposed veterans. The comprehensive legislative package opens up healthcare to millions of veterans exposed to toxic substances during their military service and finally concede exposure to burn pits and airborne hazards.

The full letter can be read below or HERE.

September 18, 2024

The Honorable Denis McDonough

Secretary

Department of Veterans Affairs

810 Vermont Avenue NW

Washington, DC 20420

Dear Secretary McDonough,

As we mark the second anniversary of the passage of the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our PACT Act of 2022 (PACT Act), we are reaching out to request an update on the implementation of Section 801. This section mandates the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct an epidemiological study on the health trends of those who served at Fort McClellan between January 1, 1935, and May 20, 1999. This study is crucial for understanding and addressing the potential health impacts experienced by veterans who served at this facility.

Our districts are home to numerous veterans and their families who have been profoundly affected by their service at Fort McClellan. The reported health issues are concerning and warrant immediate and thorough attention. As representatives of these individuals, it is our responsibility to ensure they receive the support and care they rightfully deserve.

Given these significant concerns regarding the potential long-term health effects of exposures at Fort McClellan, it is imperative that the VA provides a timely and comprehensive update on the progress of this study. Specifically, we would like to know:

1. Current Status: What is the current status of the epidemiological study required by Section 801 of the PACT Act? Have the study's parameters, methodology, and timeline been established?

2. Coordination Efforts: How is the VA coordinating with relevant stakeholders, including veterans' organizations and health experts, to ensure the study's effectiveness?

3. Preliminary Findings: If any preliminary findings are available, could you provide an overview of the initial results and insights gathered thus far?

The health and well-being of our veterans remain a top priority and ensuring that this study is conducted efficiently and thoroughly is crucial. We look forward to receiving an update on the epidemiological study. Thank you for your commitment to our nation's veterans and for your attention to this important issue.