Sergeant Dave Crete FORGOTTEN Veterans Act of 2026

Section 3 ensures that the Department of Veterans Affairs cannot require a veteran to provide affirmative evidence of exposure to a specific toxic substance if their service at a covered location is already established. This makes it easier for veterans to get recognition without needing hard-to-find proof.

Section 4 treats service and participation at the Nevada Test and Training Range and the Nevada National Security Site as radiation-risk activities. This is beneficial because it helps qualifying veterans access specialized health care and benefits related to radiation exposure.

Section 5 creates a clear presumption of toxic exposure and service connection for certain diseases for veterans who were assigned to duty stations at Department of Energy facilities or the Nevada Test and Training Range and National Security Site. This positive provision helps veterans qualify for benefits without fighting through complicated bureaucratic hurdles to prove their illness came from their service.

Section 7 establishes a registry for veterans who served at covered locations to collect health information, help them coordinate with the VA and Department of Defense, and inform them of available health care, benefits, and screenings. This keeps veterans informed and connected to the support they have earned.

Section 8 requires the Secretary of Defense to classify specific test sites and facilities as locations where contamination occurred and mandates that the military make all efforts to identify exposed service members without forcing those members to submit stationing evidence. This protects veterans from unnecessary paperwork burdens.