By Hank Russell
A bill introduced by U.S. Congressman Nick LaLota that would extend healthcare services for those who served during the Vietnam War passed the House of Representatives and is now heading to the U.S. Senate for a full vote.
The Vietnam Veterans Liver Fluke Cancer Study Act requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct an epidemiological study and report on the prevalence of cholangiocarcinoma, or bile duct cancer, in veterans who served in the Vietnam theater of operations during the Vietnam era. The study shall identify the rate of incidence of cholangiocarcinoma in such veterans and in U.S. residents.
The bill also requires the VA to track and report on the prevalence of cholangiocarcinoma using the Veterans Affairs Central Cancer Registry. Additionally, the bill extends certain loan fee rates through November 29, 2031, under the VA’s home loan program.
According to The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation in Herriman, Utah, there are more than 2,500 cases of this disease each year. It is caused by a liver fluke, a parasite that is mostly found in Asia and the Middle East. Between 5% and 10% of the cases are found inside the liver, but that percentage is growing. Symptoms include chills, fever, itching, loss of appetite, weight loss, clay-colored stools, pain in the upper right abdomen that may radiate to the back and jaundice.
“As an 11-year Navy Veteran, I’m proud that my seventh bipartisan bill to pass the House will ensure Vietnam Veterans gain better access to the VA care they deserve,” said LaLota (R-Rocky Point). “Despite clear evidence linking liver fluke disease to their service, the VA still refuses to recognize it as a service-connected condition. My bill addresses this critical failure and acknowledges that these Veterans cannot afford to wait any longer. The House has acted decisively, and now the Senate must move swiftly to provide the care these Veterans urgently need and have earned.”