LaLota and Ryan Introduce Bill to Support for Vietnam Veterans Impacted by Liver Fluke

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, June 30th, 2023, Reps. Nick LaLota (NY-01) and Pat Ryan (NY-18), both Veterans, Service Academy graduates, members of the bipartisan For Country Caucus, and members of the Armed Services Committee, introduced the Vietnam Veterans Liver Fluke Cancer Study Act. This bipartisan bill would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct a study to determine the prevalence of “liver fluke” in the Vietnam Veteran population.

“The results from the 2018 study at the Northport VA show ‘liver fluke’ is a serious medical issue that needs further research and treatment,” said LaLota. “Authorizing this study will increase our understanding of ‘liver fluke’ and allow our Veterans to receive the best treatment possible. Our Vietnam Veterans were treated poorly while serving our nation and in the years after they came home, the least we can do is provide them assistance today.”

“I’m proud to join my colleague Rep. LaLota on this critical legislation that will finally help our Vietnam veterans stricken with ‘liver fluke’,” said Ryan. “Our fellow veterans risked their lives for this country — I will keep fighting every day to get them the care they deserve when they come home. “

To read the full text of the legislation, click HERE.

Background:

Multiple studies have shown Veterans who served in the Vietnam War and ate raw or undercooked fish could have been exposed to or currently carrying the dormant parasite Platyhelminthes, commonly known as “liver fluke”. In several cases, this parasite has caused very serious and life-threatening health conditions including bile duct cancer and liver disease.

In 2018, the Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) conducted a first-of-its-kind study on the prevalence of “liver fluke” in a group of fifty Vietnam-era Veterans. Initial reports from the study highlight the need for more research on “liver fluke”, the development of standard treatment, and increase access to care for Veterans at VA facilities across the country.

The study required by this bill will allow the Department of Veterans Affairs to research the prevalence and impact of “liver fluke” in the Vietnam-era Veteran population and potentially designate it as a service-related condition.

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