This bill creates a presumption that certain diseases are service-connected for veterans who were assigned to duty at the Pentagon during the period immediately following the September 11, 2001 attacks (through November 19, 2001). Under this presumption, veterans with conditions including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, any type of cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and skin disease would automatically be considered to have contracted these illnesses during their military service, without needing to prove the connection. This change would make it easier for affected veterans to qualify for disability benefits and medical care from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill applies to any veteran who performed active duty at the Pentagon during that specific three-month window, and allows the VA Secretary to add other illnesses to the presumption list if they determine a positive association with substances or hazards present at the Pentagon during the attacks and recovery period.
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