Why It Matters

Nearly half of all veterans screened since 2022 have been identified as having at least one potential toxic exposure during military service, according to a new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, published July 22. The report examines the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record (ILER), a web application by the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to compile data on service-related toxic exposures. The system is used to process disability claims, support clinical care, and conduct research on veterans exposed to substances.

The Big Picture

The Honoring our PACT Act of 2022, enacted in August 2022, expanded VA health care and disability eligibility to veterans with certain toxic exposure histories, and directly drove the increase in ILER use among DOD and VA staff. VBA staff have been the largest user group since the law took effect.

With Millions of veterans now eligible for benefits under expanded rules, the coming months will determine whether the infrastructure can handle that transition without delays to benefits or care.

In March 2026, service members gained ILER access to add self-reported updates to their records, and ILER officials said they are developing a mechanism for service members to request corrections by September 2026. ILER officials also identified a key risk: frustration when service members and veterans encounter missing or incomplete records. However, they plan to address this through education and outreach on the system's capabilities and limitations.

The Bottom Line

GAO analyzed ILER use data from October 2019 through January 2026, reviewed program documents, interviewed ILER officials, and consulted eight stakeholder organizations, including six military and veterans service organizations and two toxic exposure nonprofit organizations.

The GAO review was mandated by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, which included a provision requiring GAO to examine ILER.

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