Benefits for burn pit illnesses, hypertension from Agent Orange would be granted under new plan 2 hours ago Wind fans the flames of a burn pit at Combat Outpost Tangi in the Tangi Valley of Afghanistan on Aug. 31, 2009. (Staff Sgt. Teddy Wade/Army) Nearly all veterans who served in overseas conflicts in the last 31 years would be granted presumptive benefits status for a host of respiratory illness and cancers under a sweeping proposal to be introduced by Senate leaders next week. In addition, Vietnam veterans who suffer from high blood pressure would be granted the same presumptive status for their disability claims, potentially handing out billions more in payouts to the aging group.