K2 Veterans Total Coverage Act of 2025
Summary
The K2 Veterans Total Coverage Act of 2025 aims to amend Title 38 of the United States Code to establish presumptions of service connection for specific diseases affecting veterans who served at Karshi Khanabad Air Base (K2) in Uzbekistan. This bill, introduced in the House of Representatives, seeks to provide healthcare and benefits to veterans exposed to toxic substances during their service. The Act would add a new paragraph to Section 1120(b) of Title 38, listing a range of diseases presumed to be service-connected for K2 veterans.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the bill would streamline the process for K2 veterans to receive disability and healthcare benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. It would reduce the burden of proof on veterans by presuming that certain diseases are related to their service at K2. This could lead to increased access to care and compensation for affected veterans.
Potential Benefits
- Streamlined access to VA benefits for K2 veterans.
- Reduced burden of proof for service connection.
- Increased healthcare access for veterans with specific diseases.
- Potential for increased disability compensation.
- Recognition of the health risks faced by veterans serving at K2.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential increase in VA healthcare costs.
- Possible strain on VA resources and personnel.
- Risk of fraudulent claims due to broad disease categories.
- Uncertainty regarding the actual link between service at K2 and the listed diseases.
- Potential for similar claims from veterans serving at other locations with possible toxic exposure.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's provision for providing for the common defense and general welfare (Preamble). Congress has the power to raise and support armies (Article I, Section 8). Providing benefits to veterans who served in the armed forces falls under this power. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).