Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas SERVICE Act
Jun 7, 2022
Statute: 136 Stat. 1238
Became law: Jun 7, 2022
Jun 7, 2022
Statute: 136 Stat. 1238
Became law: Jun 7, 2022
Summary
Makes veterans who served in areas with toxic exposure, like burn pits, able to get breast cancer screenings from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
What problem does this solve?
Veterans who served near toxic burn pits may face a higher risk of breast cancer but were not automatically eligible for screening. This law requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide mammograms to these veterans to help detect cancer early.
What does this law do?
Expands eligibility for mammograms
Makes any veteran who served in certain locations with toxic exposure eligible for a mammography screening from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Lists specific locations of toxic exposure
Identifies specific countries and time periods where service qualifies a veteran for screening, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and others.
Requires a report on breast cancer rates
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to report to Congress on the rates of breast cancer among veterans who served in these locations compared to other groups.
Requires ongoing review of exposure locations
Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and Secretary of Defense to report to Congress every two years on any other locations that should be added to the list.
Who does this affect?
- Veterans who served in specific locations in the Middle East and Africa
- Department of Veterans Affairs
What is the real world impact?
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Provides preventative care for veterans
Ensures veterans who were exposed to dangerous toxins during their service receive important preventative health screenings for breast cancer, which may be linked to that exposure.
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Honors a specific veteran's struggle
The law is named for Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas, a Marine Corps veteran who developed breast cancer after being exposed to burn pits in Iraq, bringing attention to the health risks faced by service members.
When does this start?
This law takes effect immediately and sets several deadlines for future reports.
Report on new toxic exposure locations
Within two years of the law's passage, and every two years after that, the VA must report to Congress on other locations that should be added to the eligibility list.
Report on breast cancer rates
Within two years of the law's passage, the VA must submit a report to Congress comparing breast cancer rates among different groups of service members and civilians.