Vt. National Guard commander on burn pit benefits for Kosovo vets

BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Many Vermont vets who served in Iraq and Afghanistan returned home to face a new fight.

For the last five years, WCAX has investigated burn pits in war zones — massive, open-air trash fires that burn around the clock and have been linked to rare forms of cancer among vets.

After years of fighting for coverage from the VA, the PACT Act took effect this year, granting veterans exposed to burn pits in war zones health care coverage and disability payments. Now, there’s a push to get vets who served in Kosovo, too.

Darren Perron spoke with Vermont National Guard Commander Maj. General Greg Knight about the efforts to get vets the help they need.

Vermont Sen. Peter Welch is joining other lawmakers in urging the VA to expand health care and disability benefits to those who served in Kosovo.

In a letter, the lawmakers are asking the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to bolster support for veterans stationed in the European country from 1999 on.

It’s an adjustment to the PACT Act which last year expanded resources to veterans exposed to burn pits, toxic chemicals and other hazardous substances during their deployment.

The lawmakers say they’re requesting the additional coverage because Vermont and New Hampshire National Guard soldiers have raised concerns.

Related Stories:

Welch pushes VA to expand health care coverage to Kosovo vets

Veterans exposed to toxins during service get help filing claims

Battle Over Burn Pits: Vet benefits finally on the way but fires still burning

Vermont Guard celebrates new law aiding veterans exposed to burn pits

Biden signs ‘burn pits’ help for veterans; a personal win, too

Vermont veterans’ widows grateful for signing of PACT Act

Senate approves bill to aid vets exposed to toxic burn pits

EXPLAINER: How health care for vets became fight in Congress

Burn pits legislation fails in Senate procedural vote

Burn pits legislation nears finish line with House approval

Wife of former Vt. general encouraged by Senate action on burn pits

Congress reaches deal on expanding burn pit benefits to vets

Welch continues push to help soldiers exposed to war zone burn pits

Biden pledges support to veterans exposed to burn pits

Battle Over Burn Pits: Vt. soldier in 1st-of-its-kind lawsuit dies of cancer

YCQM: May 23, 2021

Battle Over Burn Pits: 1st-of-its-kind lawsuit

Battle Over Burn Pits: New legislation could help vets exposed to toxic fumes

Will a new generation of Vt. soldiers face the Battle over Burn Pits?

Gillibrand enlists Jon Stewart on burn pit bill fight

WCAX News honored with national Edward R. Murrow Award

Gillibrand voices support for veterans exposed to burn pits

YCQM Nov. 24, 2019

Scott signs burn pit registry bill

Veterans lobby Vermont lawmakers for burn pit bill

Welch calls for action on burn pits

Supreme Court halts military burn pit appeals

Former Vt. Army National Guard Commander Michael Heston has died

Police officer gives back to sick kids after death

Perron, MacKenzie win national Murrow Award for burn pit series

WCAX wins Murrow Award for burn pit reports

St. Albans brewery gives ‘Tribute’ to former Guard member

Battle Over Burn Pits, Part 2

Battle Over Burn Pits, Part 1

Copyright 2023 WCAX. All rights reserved.