WASHINGTON (Aug. 3, 2021) – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) is welcoming an announcement from U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Denis McDonough that the VA has started processing disability claims for asthma, rhinitis and sinusitis resulting from exposure to airborne hazards during military service in Southwest Asia and certain other areas. Veterans are eligible if these conditions manifested within 10 years of a qualifying period of military service. 

“This is the right move by the VA. Our veterans deserve action, including access to the very best health care and benefits they have earned,” said Heinrich, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies. “I urge New Mexico veterans who might be eligible for these new respiratory-related disability claims to reach out to my office as soon as possible to receive assistance filing a claim.” 

The Southwest Asia theater of operations refers to Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the neutral zone between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, the Gulf of Aden, the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Sea, the Red Sea and the airspace above these locations. 

Veterans and survivors who believe they may be eligible for the newly established presumptive conditions are encouraged to apply. They should file a VA Form 21-526EZ if applying for the first time or a VA Form 20-0995 if they are reapplying for these conditions. For more information on the new presumptive conditions, visit our website at Airborne Hazards and Burn Pit Exposures - Public Health (va.gov). 

To apply for benefits, Veterans and survivors may visit VA.gov or call toll-free at 800-827-1000. 

Visit Senator Heinrich’s veterans resource page by clicking here. Veterans, and all New Mexicans, can also request assistance with a federal agency like the VA by contacting Senator Heinrich’s nearest state office, which can be found by clicking here.