The Pentagon announced Friday it has begun reviewing applications for payments to military personnel suffering from mysterious brain injuries linked to suspected energy attacks.
The compensation program covers Defense Department employees, former employees, and dependents who experienced qualifying neurological injuries on or after January 1, 2016.
The payments represent a significant acknowledgment by the U.S. government of the health impacts from what officials call Anomalous Health Incidents (AHI), better known as “Havana Syndrome” attacks. The mysterious ailments have affected hundreds of American personnel worldwide, sparking intense debate about their origins and the government’s response.
Under the 2021 HAVANA Act, eligible personnel can receive one-time payments for brain injuries connected to these incidents. The law’s name stands for Helping American Victims Afflicted by Neurological Attacks.
“The Department is committed to helping DoD personnel affected by AHIs,” Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell said in the statement.
The Defense Department directed interested personnel to visit its benefits program website for application procedures. Officials provided a link to the full memorandum detailing the program’s implementation.
The announcement comes four years after Congress passed the legislation authorizing the payments. The delay has frustrated some affected personnel seeking recognition and compensation for their injuries.