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Full retroactive benefits for veterans of secret chemical testing programs.

This law ensures veterans who participated in secret government programs (like chemical testing at Edgewood Arsenal) and were bound by secrecy oaths can receive full disability benefits. The key change allows benefits to be retroactive, calculated from the date of discharge, rather than just the application date, which was previously impossible due to the secrecy requirement. Veterans who served in these programs can now receive the money they earned for the years they could not apply for aid under threat of punishment.
Key points
Retroactive Benefits: Veterans of secrecy oath programs can receive disability compensation calculated from the day following their discharge, provided they apply within one year of being notified of their release from the oath.
Notification Requirement: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must identify and notify veterans of secrecy oath programs (including Edgewood Arsenal 1948-1975) about all eligible benefits within 90 days of the law's enactment or release from the oath.
Review of Prior Awards: The VA must review and adjust existing disability awards for veterans of secrecy oath programs within 90 days to ensure retroactive benefits are calculated according to the new rules.
Definition of Secrecy Program: The Act defines a 'secrecy oath program' as a government program requiring participants to sign a non-disclosure agreement under penalty of court-martial or criminal punishment.
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_5324
Sponsor: Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]
Process start date: 2024-11-14
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

OATH Act of 2024

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_S_5324.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2024-11-14.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Retroactive Benefits: Veterans of secrecy oath programs can receive disability compensation calculated from the day following their discharge, provided they apply within one year of being notified of their release from the oath.
  • Notification Requirement: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must identify and notify veterans of secrecy oath programs (including Edgewood Arsenal 1948-1975) about all eligible benefits within 90 days of the law's enactment or release from the oath.
  • Review of Prior Awards: The VA must review and adjust existing disability awards for veterans of secrecy oath programs within 90 days to ensure retroactive benefits are calculated according to the new rules.
  • Definition of Secrecy Program: The Act defines a 'secrecy oath program' as a government program requiring participants to sign a non-disclosure agreement under penalty of court-martial or criminal punishment.
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 Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Introduced in Senate

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-26.

CATEGORIES

Benefits Security