This marks the first time in its history that VA has addressed potential battlefield exposures while the troops remained in the combat zone, as well as the first time VA sent out guidance about a potential war-related health issue without it a congressional mandate or a recommendation from a large health organization.

The letter, with the subject line, “Environmental Hazards in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Other Military Installations,” went out in late April to all VA regional offices, signed by Brad Mayes, director of VA’s compensation and pension service.“Service members can be exposed to environmental hazards in the course of their military duties, which may result in adverse health effects,” the letter states.

“Numerous environmental hazards in Iraq, Afghanistan and other military installations that could potentially present health risks to service members and veterans have been identified.”For more on what the letter means for service members and veterans, look for the May 17 issues of the Military Times newspapers, on newsstands this coming Monday.