Congress Plans To Review ‘Burn Pits’ That Might Have Exposed Thousands Of Veterans To Toxic Substances
Both the House and Senate vow to help the many service members whose burn pit-related claims for disability and health care were denied. News on military and veterans health looks at slum-like housing and a new phone app to access health records, as well.
The New York Times:
Congress Poised To Help Veterans Exposed To ‘Burn Pits’ Over Decades Of War
Everywhere he went in Iraq during his yearlong deployment, Ryne Robinson saw the burning trash pits. Sometimes, like in Ramadi, they were as large as a municipal dump, filled with abandoned or destroyed military vehicles, synthetic piping and discarded combat meals. Sometimes he tossed garbage on them himself. “The smell was horrendous,” said Mr. Robinson, who was in Iraq from 2006 to 2007. (Steinhauer, 2/12)
The Washington Post:
Military Family Advisory Network: Military Family Housing Is Slum-Like, Report Says
For thousands of service members and their families, military housing is decrepit, dangerous and inescapable, according to survey results released Wednesday by an armed services advisory organization. The grievances paint a picture of slum-like conditions at bases across the United States, including black mold, lead, infestations of vermin, flooding, radon and faulty wiring. (Horton, 2/13)
USA Today:
Veterans Can Track VA Health Records On Their IPhones
Active members of the military and those who’ve left the service who receive care through Veteran Health Administration hospitals will be able to view all their personal medical data through the Health Records feature on their iPhones. Apple and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs made the announcement on Monday. Starting this summer, vets will be able to view an integrated snapshot of records from such providers pertaining to allergies, immunizations, vitals, test results, medications, procedures, conditions, and so on. The data is encrypted. (2/12)
