March 2020

Dear Members, 

As you would expect, this update is solely focused on the ongoing pandemic that is Covid-19. VAM is here to provide information specific to veterans with myeloma on coronavirus and the role DoD and VA have in this fight. We have provided information directly from the VA on how veterans should protect themselves during this time. Additionally, as concerns for myeloma patients are heightened, VAM recommends IMFs Covid-19 information page for questions and answers to how myeloma patients should navigate this crisis. 

Be …

February 2020

Advocacy Opportunity – Department of Defense Seeking the Help of Myeloma Patients

We are seeking volunteers to help us advance myeloma research!

The Advocacy Team heavily lobbied Congress, and myeloma researchers are now able to apply for research funds through the Department of Defense’s Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP). With this inclusion, the IMF now has a unique opportunity to nominate a myeloma patient or caregiver to apply for the role of consumer reviewer for the program.

Consumer reviewers …

January 2020
 

Legislation Introduced That Will Help Military Firefighters with Myeloma

On January 16, 2020, Rep. Spanberger (D-VA) and Rep. Bacon (R-NE) introduced legislation that would help military firefighters with myeloma receive VA benefits.

H.R. 5637, the Michael Lecik Military Firefighters Protection Act would create a presumption of service connection for diseases associated with firefighting, which includes myeloma. By creating this presumption of service connection for military firefighters, this population would gain the ability to receive VA benefits without the need to prove …

December 2019
 

Firefighting Foam Contaminated Military Base Drinking Water

A task force charged with determining the extent of contamination from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, have released preliminary findings which show the issue has much greater reach than previously thought. PFAS are commonly found in firefighting foam use by the military to quickly extinguish fires on ships and around fighter jets. The military have been using firefighting foam with PFAS since the 1970’s.

PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because …

November 2019
 

Wishing all our Veterans Against Myeloma a Happy Veterans Day

Thank you for your sacrifices, your commitment to freedom and your service. We hope you enjoyed your day.
 

Congressional Fellowship Program Available to Gold Star Family Members

Last month, lawmakers approved a yearlong to give members of families of the fallen first-hand experience in Congress. Passed by voice vote, the paid fellowship is named in memory of Army Sgt. 1st Class Sean Cooley and Spc. Christopher Horton. The fellowship will be open …

October 2019
 

Take Our Survey and Help Us Improve How We Help YOU!

VAM is conducting a brief six-question survey to help focus our efforts in to issues that are important to veterans with myeloma. Please take a few moments to complete and submit your response to this survey.

CDMRP Funding Could be in Trouble for 2020

For the first time in 58 fiscal years there could no Defense appropriations legislation passed by Congress. While this does not affect the Department of Veterans …

JULY 2019
 

VA Puts Hold on All Blue Water Veteran Claims Until Law Takes Effect

The Department of Veterans Affairs has placed a hold on all claims from Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans until the recently passed law, signed by the President, takes effect on January 1, 2020. Claims from this group are under a temporary stay until the VA feels they have operational authority to act once the law takes effect. However, we believe the Procopio ruling earlier this year, which we have …

JUNE 2019
 

Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veteran Act Becomes Law

Last Tuesday, June 25th, the President of the United States signed H.R. 299, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019, into law. To all of you who took action and messaged your legislators, attended our webinar and told your friends and family about this issue; thank you, this victory is yours.

The law, which takes effect January 1, 2020, will extend disability benefits to veterans who served between Jan. 9, 1962, …

MAY 2019
 

Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 Passes the House

On Monday, May 14th, the House voted 410-0 to pass H. R. 299, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019. The bill, which we have previously discussed in detail, but this legislation is significant in that it will restore the presumption of exposure to the chemicals known as Agent Orange for thousands of Blue Water Navy veterans who served during the Vietnam War.

The Act must now be …

APRIL 2019
 

Keeping Our Promises Act Would Provide Benefits for More Agent Orange Diseases

A group of lawmakers introduced legislation that would add nine more diseases to a list of conditions presumed to be caused by the chemical herbicide Agent Orange, giving veterans who suffer from them a fast-track to Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation and health care.

The Keeping Our Promises Act, H.R. 2200 introduced April 10th, adds prostate cancer, bladder cancer, hypothyroidism, hypertension, stroke, early-onset peripheral neuropathy, AL amyoloidosis, ischemic …