Care of Veterans With Service in Uzbekistan

Jan 25, 2021

Summary

Requires a study on toxic exposure for veterans at an air base in Uzbekistan and considers them for special healthcare status.

What problem does this solve?

Veterans who served at the Karshi-Khanabad Air Base in Uzbekistan may have been exposed to dangerous toxins, but their health issues were not officially recognized. This order directs the government to study the toxic exposure and health effects to determine if these veterans should get special healthcare benefits.

What does this order do?

Requires study on toxic exposure at Karshi-Khanabad Air Base

Orders the Secretary of Defense to conduct a detailed study on toxic substances and health problems for service members at the Karshi-Khanabad Air Base from 2001-2005.

Considers combat status for Uzbekistan veterans

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to consider giving veterans who served in Uzbekistan from 2001-2005 the same status as those who served in a combat zone.

Defines scope of the toxic exposure study

Specifies the study must identify toxic substances, who was exposed, and any causal link between the exposure and health problems.

Who does this affect?

Veterans who served in Uzbekistan between 2001 and 2005
Department of Defense
Department of Veterans Affairs

What is the real world impact?

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Provides a path to healthcare for affected veterans

Addresses health problems for veterans who served at a contaminated air base in Uzbekistan by ordering a study to see if they should get special healthcare benefits.

When does this start?

This order takes effect immediately and sets a deadline for a required study.

Deadline for toxic exposure study report

The Secretary of Defense must complete the study on toxic exposure and report the findings within 365 days of the order (by January 19, 2022).