VA to study possible link between PFAS and kidney cancer

VA checking for connection between PFAS chemicals and kidney cancer in afflicted veterans

Firefighters use firefighting foam to put out a fire.

The VA will study whether kidney cancer is linked to exposure to chemicals used in military-grade firefighting foam and other products to determine if qualifying veterans may be eligible for presumptive benefits. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals, or PFAS, are often called "forever chemicals" due to their environmental persistence. Several previous studies have shown an association between PFAS exposure and higher risks of kidney cancer. VA officials said veterans should not wait for the outcome of the research if they have kidney cancer and want to file a claim.

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Report finds veterans not covered by toxic hazards legislation wait decades for VA recognition

The U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C.

The passage of the PACT Act gave millions of veterans the chance at expedited disability compensation from the VA. However, a new report from Disabled American Veterans and Military Officers Association of America found that thousands of others exposed to environmental hazards in military service wait roughly 31 years to receive similar recognition from the VA. The report makes several recommendations to Congress and the VA to improve their claims process for veterans. It also recommends that the DoD and VA expedite the creation of a joint electronic health records system and enact legislation that would create a new framework for establishing exposure presumptive conditions.

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Study finds vets' caregivers need more support from VA, local orgs

A pair of hands atop another pair of hands.

According to a new report, military and veteran caregivers save the federal government hundreds of billions in medical costs annually but still face significant challenges getting support and care for themselves. Fewer than half of individuals surveyed reported getting accommodations at work to account for their extra role as a veteran or military caregiver. More than a quarter thought they were discriminated against at work because of the extra demands of their home life.

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Getting a kidney disease VA rating

Hospital beds next to each other in an open room.

Kidney disease is a serious condition, and if it’s connected to your military service, you could be eligible for compensation from the VA. About 37 million Americans are diagnosed with chronic kidney disease and veterans have higher rates of kidney disease than the general population. People with diabetes or high blood pressure are at increased risk for kidney disease. This article explains more about the VA rating for kidney disease.

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Ozempic® lawsuit

If you’ve taken Ozempic®, Wegovy®, or Rybelsus®, and you’ve experienced gastroparesis (stomach paralysis) or gastric obstruction that resulted in hospitalization or a visit to the ER, you could be owed a settlement.

Our Honor Flight journey

Have you taken your Honor Flight or signed up to take your flight? Honor Flight Network is a national nonprofit comprised of independent hubs working together to achieve the Honor Flight mission. Honor Flight has been on the forefront of our minds, as we are proudly sponsoring our local hub's 17th Honor Flight in October. Stay tuned for updates as we go on this journey together. You can find your local hub here if you are interested in taking your Honor Flight. Honor Flights wouldn't be possible without donors aiding the cause, as Honor Flight Network receives no government funding. You can donate to the Honor Flight Network online or by mail.

Vote for us in the Evansville Community's Choice Awards

The Evansville Community’s Choice Awards recognizes the best our community has to offer in local businesses and organizations. Thanks to your nominations, Woods & Woods has made it to the voting round. You can vote for us as the best law firm under the “Services” category. Voting ends September 30, and you can cast a vote for us once per day. We appreciate your support!

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