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WASHINGTON, DC 20510

June 30, 2015

The Honorable Robert McDonald
Secretary

Department of Veterans Affairs
810 Vermont Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20420

Dear Secretary McDonald:

We write to express our utmost concern regarding recent press reports that the Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA) has failed to provide bene?ts to the survivors of horri?c mustard gas
testing on US. troops during World War II by the Department of Defense. Reporting by
National Public Radio (NPR) indicates that despite assurances from the VA following the
declassi?cation of these records over twenty years ago, many survivors have still not been
contacted and still many others have reportedly continued to be rejected for health care and other
VA bene?ts.

We ?nd these reports profoundly disturbing and urge the VA to take immediate and
comprehensive steps to address this issue, and review its associated processes to better handle
similar cases in the future. First, we recommend the VA thoroughly review all records
associated with this incident; proactively contact each identi?able veteran; and immediately
assist with any outstanding, denied, or desired application for bene?ts or health care stemming
from this exposure. We also request the Department review its investigation process to
determine how NPR reporters were able to locate 1,200 affected veterans over a period of weeks,
while the VA only identi?ed half that number over the past 20 years. Finally, we urge the
Department to review its disability claim adjudication process associated with presumptive
connection to chemical exposure to determine why numerous veterans that reportedly meet the
eligibility criteria have faced multiple rejections including on appeal.

These brave veterans were subjected to horrifying abuse that has scarred many of them both
physically and mentally. Every effort needs to be made immediately to ensure they?re ?nally
getting the health bene?ts they are owed. To that end, we request that you provide our of?ces
with a plan to meet the objectives outlined above at your earliest convenience.

Thank you for your continued service to cor nation.

Sincerely,

WW