# Fort McClellan Health Registry Act

This bill creates a special health tracking system for veterans who served at Fort McClellan, an Army base in Alabama that operated from 1935 until 1999. The government is concerned that people stationed there may have been exposed to harmful substances or environmental hazards during their time at the base, so this law sets up a way to monitor their health and keep records of any related medical issues.

Here's what the bill actually does: The Department of Veterans Affairs will maintain a registry—essentially a list with medical information—of veterans who were stationed at Fort McClellan during that 64-year period. Veterans get added to this registry if they apply for VA healthcare, file a disability claim with the VA, or specifically request a health examination related to their time at the base. The registry will include their names and any relevant medical data they agree to share. If a veteran has already passed away, the VA can include their information without needing permission.

The bill also guarantees that any veteran who served at Fort McClellan can request a free health examination from the VA, including diagnostic tests and counseling about the results. This is important because it gives veterans a way to get checked out for potential health problems without having to prove they're already sick. The VA will also reach out to people on the registry to let them know about new research findings related to health risks from their service at the base, and they'll conduct outreach to make sure veterans know these examinations are available.

Essentially, this is the government's way of saying: "We know something potentially harmful may have happened at this base, so we're going to track veterans' health and make sure you can get free medical screening if you're concerned."

Fort McClellan Health Registry Act

Tonko, Paul

Fort McClellan Health Registry Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish and maintain the Fort McClellan Health Registry, which must include a list of names of those who were stationed at Fort McClellan, Alabama, between January 1, 1935, and May 20, 1999, and are seeking specified health care or benefits from the VA. Specifically, the registry must include those who <ul> <li>apply for hospital, nursing home, domiciliary, or medical care from the VA;</li> <li>file a claim for compensation for service-connected disability;</li> <li>die and are survived by a spouse, child, or parent who files a claim for dependency and indemnity compensation;</li> <li>request a VA health examination; or</li> <li>receive a VA health examination and request to be included in the registry.</li> </ul> The registry must also include relevant medical data of the listed individuals if they grant permission or are deceased at the time they are listed. Individuals who have submitted applications, requests, or claims prior to the enactment of this bill must be included in the registry to the extent feasible. The VA must periodically notify individuals listed in the registry of significant research developments on the health consequences of potential exposure to toxic substances or environmental hazards related to service at Fort McClellan. Additionally, the VA must reach out to individuals regarding the provision of health examinations and consultation and counseling services. In establishing and maintaining the registry, the VA must consult with the Department of Defense to acquire necessary information.