VA adds cancers to presumptive list

January 8th, 2024 VA announced it is making acute and chronic leukemias, multiple myelomas, myelodysplastic syndromes, myelofibrosis, urinary bladder, ureter and related genitourinary cancers presumptive for service connection for:

Gulf War Veterans: Veterans who served in Somalia or the Southwest Asia theater of operations (which includes 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) during the Persian Gulf War on or after Aug. 2, 1990.

Post-9/11 Veterans: Veterans who served in Afghanistan, Iraq, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, or Uzbekistan and the airspace above these locations during the Gulf War on or after Sept. 11, 2001. This includes Veterans who served at the Karshi-Khanabad (K2) base in Uzbekistan after Sept. 11, 2001.

The presumptions for urinary bladder, ureter, and related genitourinary cancers went into effect Jan. 2, 2025, and the presumptions for acute and chronic leukemias, multiple myelomas, and myelodysplastic syndromes, myelofibrosis will be effective Jan. 10, 2025. 

Completion of Personal Record Book

This is a packet designed to aid you and your family in preparing for the future. The information in the packet will help guide you and your loved ones as you plan and ensure your survivors know what benefits might be available to them. 

We have Personal Record Books available in our office, located in the Carver County Government Center in Chaska; or we have available a digital version.

VA Expanded Healthcare Eligibility

On March 5, 2024, the VA expanded healthcare eligibility to all veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other combat zone after 9/11/2001 and were exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving in the military. Veterans who never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while in training or on active duty-by working with chemicals, pesticides, lead, asbestos, certain paints, nuclear weapons, x-rays and more in the US will also be able to enroll. Basic service and discharge requirements also need to be met. 

Free MN Motor Vehicle Registration

Veterans with a total Service-Connected disability receive free MN Motor Vehicle registration, plate, and title services for up to two vehicles (auto, pickup, RV, motorcycle). Total fee exemption does not include a personalized plate fee or any required contributions for a specialty plate. Applicants must provide a certified copy of honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable condition, or a military retiree ID Card, veteran ID card or VA healthcare ID card. Effective January 1, 2024, for renewals. Sales and purchases effective after June 30th, 2024.

Free MN State Driver's License or State ID

Effective January 1, 2024, veterans with a total Service-Connected disability receive free driver's license or state ID and are exempt from any filing fee, credential fee, or associated surcharge. Applicant must provide documentation from Department of Veterans Affairs, US Veterans Affairs, or retirement board of any US military branch attesting that the individual has a 100% total and permanent Service-Connected disability rating.

Veteran and Military Discounts

VAntage Point website provides a list of year-round veteran and military discounts.

Golf Programs

The Salute Military Golf Association The American Golfer program matches post 9/11 wounded warriors with PGA of America professionals. SMGA offers private golf lessons and a custom-fitted set of clubs to any veteran who completes the program.

PGA HOPE Introduces golf to Veterans and Active-Duty Military to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being.

Fishing Programs

Muskie Mission Complete Takes 12 Veterans on an annual, all-expenses paid, guided fishing retreat to Leech Lake.

Fishing for Life Offering fishing and outdoor activities for veterans, wounded warriors, and their families providing fellowship and support in their transition to civilian life.