H.R. 1400 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish a presumption that certain veterans were exposed to radiation and other toxins at the Nevada Test and Training Range for purposes of the treatment of certain disabilities under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

This section expands the definition of radiation-risk activity under 38 U.S.C. § 1112(c)(3) to include, for purposes of veterans’ benefits, onsite participation at any time on or after January 1, 1972, and before January 1, 2005, in the development, construction, operation, or maintenance of a military installation at a covered location at the Nevada Test and Training Range. It also defines “covered location at the Nevada Test and Training Range” to include locations at the Nevada Test and Training Range, Nevada, including Indian Springs Auxiliary Airfield, but to exclude Nellis Air Force Base and Creech Air Force Base.

This section expands the presumption of toxic exposure for veterans by adding service at a covered location at the Nevada Test and Training Range, Nevada, for active military, naval, air, or space service performed on or after January 1, 1972, and before January 1, 2005. As background, presumptions of toxic exposure can make it easier for veterans to establish eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation by linking certain conditions to qualifying service. The section also defines “covered location at the Nevada Test and Training Range” to include locations at Indian Springs Auxiliary Airfield, but not Nellis Air Force Base or Creech Air Force Base.

This section establishes a presumption of service connection for lipomas and tumor-related conditions for a covered veteran described in 38 U.S.C. § 1119(c)(1)(A). (Thus, the Department of Veterans Affairs must treat those conditions as service-connected for eligible veterans without requiring separate proof that the condition was caused by military service.)