PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 55 · Passed Senate · Feb 16, 2022
Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act
This bill updates policies and procedures related to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care and benefits for veterans who have been exposed to toxic substances.
Specifically, the bill extends the eligibility period for VA hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care for combat veterans who served after September 11, 2001, and were exposed to toxic substances, radiation, or other conditions, including those who did not enroll to receive VA care during the eligibility period.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
The VA must incorporate into its existing health care screening a screening to help determine potential exposures to toxic substances during military service.
Among other requirements, the VA must also
provide annual training to health care and benefits personnel with respect to veterans who were exposed to toxic substances;
analyze total and respiratory disease mortality in veterans who served in specified locations on specified dates;
conduct an epidemiological study on the health trends of veterans who served in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001;
conduct a study to determine trends in the rates of the incidence of cancer in veterans;
publish a list of VA resources for veterans who were exposed to toxic substances, families and caregivers of such veterans, and survivors of such veterans who are receiving death benefits; and
report on the data quality of the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record and its usefulness in supporting veterans in receiving VA health care and benefits.
People & committees
Sen. Tester, Jon [D-MT] · D–MT
Legislative record
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Held at the desk.
Received in the House.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S733-735; text: CR S734-735)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote.(consideration: CR S733-735; text: CR S734-735)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 263.
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Reported by Senator Tester without amendment. Without written report.
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Reported by Senator Tester without amendment. Without written report.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.
Source last updated: Dec 5, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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