Fighting for the Overlooked Recognition of Groups Operating in Toxic Test Environments in Nevada (FORGOTTEN) Veterans Act of 2025
Fighting for the Overlooked Recognition of Groups Operating in Toxic Test Environments in Nevada (FORGOTTEN) Veterans Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# FORGOTTEN Veterans Act Summary **What it does:** This bill aims to help veterans and military personnel who were exposed to toxic substances while stationed at Nevada's Test and Training Range (NTTR), a site used for nuclear testing. The bill requires the Department of Defense to better document toxic exposures in military service records and medical files, and would automatically presume that anyone stationed at certain Nevada nuclear facilities was exposed to hazardous materials. This presumption would make it easier for affected individuals to qualify for disability compensation and health benefits without having to prove exposure. **Who it affects:** The bill targets military veterans and current service members, as well as civilian Defense Department employees who served at the NTTR and other specified nuclear test sites in Nevada.
It also affects their families, who may benefit from expanded veteran health and disability programs. **Current status:** The bill (S. 2220) was introduced by Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) in the 119th Congress and is currently awaiting review in committee. It has not yet been voted on by the full Senate.
CRS Official Summary
Fighting for the Overlooked Recognition of Groups Operating in Toxic Test Environments in Nevada (FORGOTTEN) Veterans Act of 2025This bill requires increased Department of Defense (DOD) documentation related to toxic exposures by military personnel and establishes eligibility for certain disability compensation and benefits for individuals who served at the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR).DOD must (1) expand the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record to include specified medical information and document all toxic exposures of members of the Armed Forces, and (2) document in service records whether a member of the Armed Forces served at a location with potential toxic exposure.Members of the Armed Forces and civilian DOD employees who are or have been stationed at specified nuclear facilities must be presumed to have been exposed to toxic substances.DOD must classify the NTTR as a location where contamination occurred and the Department of the Air Force must identify those who have been stationed there since January 27, 1951.The bill establishes that onsite participation on or after January 27, 1951, at NTTR locations where there was a potential of toxic exposure is a radiation-risk activity, therefore providing a presumption of service-connection for specified conditions.The bill also establishes a presumption of toxic exposure for veterans who performed active service at NTTR locations with potential toxic exposure, including airspace above such locations. Additionally, lipomas and tumor related conditions must be considered as service-connected conditions for veterans who served at the NTTR locations.
Latest Action
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.