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Panama Canal Zone Veterans: Easier Access to Health Benefits

This act makes it easier for veterans who served in the Panama Canal Zone to get health benefits for illnesses potentially caused by chemical exposure. It creates a presumption that certain diseases are service-connected, simplifying the claims process.
Key points
Veterans from the Panama Canal Zone can more easily get benefits for illnesses linked to chemical exposure.
A list of diseases presumed to be service-connected includes certain cancers, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs can add more illnesses to the list based on scientific evidence.
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Additional Information
Print number: 117_HR_5026
Sponsor: Rep. Newman, Marie [D-IL-3]
Process start date: 2021-08-13
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Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-04-17
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Panama Canal Zone Veterans Act of 2021

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_HR_5026.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2021-08-13.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Veterans from the Panama Canal Zone can more easily get benefits for illnesses linked to chemical exposure.
  • A list of diseases presumed to be service-connected includes certain cancers, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
  • The Secretary of Veterans Affairs can add more illnesses to the list based on scientific evidence.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Newman, Marie [D-IL-3].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-28.

CATEGORIES

Benefits Health