FASTER Presumptions Act

Bill: 117-hr-2607
Sponsor: Rep. Trone, David J. [D-MD-6]
Introduced: 2021-04-15 in the House
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Advisory bodies
Air quality
Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Conflicts and wars
Congressional oversight
Department of Veterans Affairs
Environmental health
Executive agency funding and structure
Fires
Hazardous wastes and toxic substances
Health information and medical records
Health programs administration and funding
Medical research
Medical tests and diagnostic methods
Military operations and strategy
Solid waste and recycling
Veterans' medical care
Veterans' pensions and compensation

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: 

Fairly Assessing Service-related Toxic Exposure Residuals Presumptions Act or the FASTER Presumptions Act

 
This bill revises policies and procedures of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) related to establishing or modifying presumptions of service-connection based on toxic exposure. The bill sets up a procedure by which the VA must determine whether to establish, remove, or modify via regulations presumptions of service-connection based on toxic exposure. 
 
Specifically, the bill establishes within the VA the Formal Advisory Committee on Toxic Exposure, the Science Review Board, and the Working Group to assist with the various procedures in establishing or removing presumptions of service-connection. Such procedures include assessing the exposure of veterans to toxic substances during active service, evaluating research on the health effects of exposure, and making recommendations based on the evidence and research.
 
The bill also establishes the Expert Advisory Panel on Constrictive Bronchiolitis within the VA to develop guidelines for VA research on symptomatic veterans who served on active duty in the Southwest Asia theater of operations and have bronchiolitis.
 
The Department of Defense must develop and implement a plan to strengthen data collection with respect to members of the Armed Forces (including the reserve components) who are exposed to toxic substances while serving.
 
The VA must initiate or sponsor various studies related to veterans who served on active duty in certain locations.
 
Finally, the VA must provide annual training to relevant employees to improve the handling of claims for compensation and benefits that relate to toxic exposure.
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-07-14
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in House