Government Continues Pattern Of Denying Care For Veterans Who Cleaned Up Nuclear Sites

From 1977 to 1980, U.S. troops were sent to Enewetak Atoll in the Pacific Ocean to clean up the remnants of nuclear testing. Now, many of those veterans are sick, but the military says there's no connection between the illnesses and the cleanup. Meanwhile, the administration is moving to exempt VA positions from the hiring freeze.

The New York Times: Troops Who Cleaned Up Radioactive Islands Can’t Get Medical Care

When Tim Snider arrived on Enewetak Atoll in the middle of the Pacific Ocean to clean up the fallout from dozens of nuclear tests on the ring of coral islands, Army officers immediately ordered him to put on a respirator and a bright yellow suit designed to guard against plutonium poisoning. A military film crew snapped photos and shot movies of Mr. Snider, a 20-year-old Air Force radiation technician, in the crisp new safety gear. Then he was ordered to give all the gear back. He spent the rest of his four-month stint on the islands wearing only cutoff shorts and a floppy sun hat. (Philipps, 1/28)

CQ Roll Call: VA Exempts Health Professionals And More From Hiring Freeze

The acting secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs moved Friday to exempt health care professionals and others from President Donald Trump's federal hiring freeze, following pleas from members of Congress. Acting Secretary Robert D. Snyder, Trump's interim pick to lead the agency while nominee David Shulkin awaits Senate confirmation, issued guidance that stated certain employees would be exempt from a federal hiring freeze announced Monday. (Mejdrich, 1/27)

And in other veterans' health care news —

The [Vineland, N.J.] Daily Journal: Ribbon-Cutting For New Site Of Vineland Veterans Outpatient Clinic

Military veterans and advocates for better and more local health care services are celebrating the opening of a relocated and significantly expanded U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient care clinic in downtown Vineland. On Friday afternoon, veterans and veteran organizations leaders gathered with elected officials and Veteran Affairs staff at the new Cumberland County Community Based Outpatient Clinic at 79 W. Landis Avenue. (Smith, 1/27)

Austin American-Statesman: Richard Overton’s Family Raises $117,000 For WWII Vet’s 24/7 Health Care

Richard Overton, who at 110 is the nation’s oldest World War II veteran, will be able to live in the comfort of his own home with proper care because of a GoFundMe campaign that exploded online and exceeded donation goals. In the last month, more than $117,000 has been raised for Overton. The campaign was started to raise money for around-the-clock home care for the veteran, who has lived in east Austin for about the last 70 years. (Stone, 1/27)

This is part of the Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.

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