It's time to make S.1602 happen
Toxic Exposure Research and Military Family Support Act of 2013
Introduced in Senate (10/29/2013)
Toxic Exposure Research and Military Family Support Act of 2013 -
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) select a medical
center in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to serve as the
national center for the diagnosis, treatment, and
research of health
conditions of descendents (i.e., a biological child, grandchild, or
great-grandchild) of individuals exposed to toxic substances while
serving as members of the Armed Forces that are related to that
exposure; (2) establish an advisory board to advise the center to
determine which health conditions result from exposure to toxic
substances and to study and evaluate cases of exposure of current and
former members of the Armed Forces to toxic substances; and (3)
establish an Office of Extramural Research to conduct research on
wounds, illnesses, injuries, and other conditions suffered by active
members of
the Armed Forces resulting from exposure to toxic substances
and to assist the Advisory Board in considering claims of exposure to
toxic substances.
Extends eligibility for medical care and
caregiver assistance to descendents of a veteran who was exposed to
toxic substances while serving as a member of the Armed Forces if: (1)
the descendent has a health condition resulting from exposure to toxic
substances and is homebound due to such condition, and (2) the veteran
has or had the same health condition.
Authorizes the Secretary
of Defense (DOD) to declassify documents (other than documents that
would materially and immediately threaten national security) related to
any known incident in which not less than 100 member of the Armed Forces
were exposed to a toxic substance that resulted in at least one case of
disability.
Directs the VA Secretary, the Secretary of Health
and Human Services (HHS), and the DOD Secretary to jointly conduct a
national outreach and education campaign directed at members of the
Armed Forces, veterans, and their family members to communicate
information on incidents of exposure to toxic substances, health
conditions resulting form such exposure, and the potential long-term
effects of such exposure.
Support S.1602, the Toxic Exposure Research and Military Family Support Act of 2013
