In interview with Jon Stewart, Veterans Affairs chief says he’s ‘frustrated’ over slow pace of burn pit benefits
By Leo Shane III
Monday, Oct 4
Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough said he is “frustrated” by his department’s slow pace of expanding benefits for military burn pit victims but insists that federal rules limit his ability to move quicker on the issue.
In an interview on “The Problem with Jon Stewart” hosted by comedian Jon Stewart, McDonough said he wants to expand the list of burn-pit-related illnesses eligible for presumptive benefits soon, but is facing internal obstacles to do that.
“The biggest hurdle is establishing a scientific link, and I will be damned if I don’t establish that,” he said. “We do operate within the context of a series of requirements, and we have not yet been able to meet the requirements.”
https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2021/10/04/secva-says-hes-frustrated-over-slow-pace-of-burn-pit-benefits-in-interview-with-jon-stewart/
