Posted on Aug 24, 2015
Are they sure they want to do this? VA wants all veterans exposed to Agent Orange to apply for benefits
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This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The first U.S. combat troops arrived in Vietnam in March of 1965.
More than 58,000 Americans died in the Vietnam conflict. Many who survived are fighting diseases the U.S. government now recognizes were caused by a very powerful toxic chemical used in the jungle war zone.
Since 2010, the Department of Veterans Affairs has recognized a list of diseases, cancers and illnesses caused by the chemical Agent Orange. The VA is now making a renewed push to ensure everyone knows about the benefits available to veterans sickened by Agent Orange.
A variety of illnesses are on the list, including, but not limited to: Type 2 diabetes, prostate cancer, respiratory cancers, chronic B-cell leukemia, Hodgkin’s diseases, non-hodgkin’s lymphoma, Parkinson’s disease and Ischemic heart disease.
Many Vietnam veterans aren’t aware of the Agent Orange presumptive diseases. Furthermore, some veterans choose not to go to the VA for their treatment or some veterans have never thought to apply. Yet other veterans aren’t sure how to apply.
Claiming a disability from exposure to Agent Orange is an expedited claims process since the illnesses are “presumed” to be connected to Agent Orange exposure, meaning Vietnam veterans don’t have to prove an association between their medical problems and their military service as it relates to exposure to Agent Orange.
Any veteran or family member who might fit any of these categories should call the Rowan County Veteran Service Office at [login to see] .
http://www.salisburypost.com/2015/08/24/va-wants-all-veterans-exposed-to-agent-orange-to-apply-for-benefits/
More than 58,000 Americans died in the Vietnam conflict. Many who survived are fighting diseases the U.S. government now recognizes were caused by a very powerful toxic chemical used in the jungle war zone.
Since 2010, the Department of Veterans Affairs has recognized a list of diseases, cancers and illnesses caused by the chemical Agent Orange. The VA is now making a renewed push to ensure everyone knows about the benefits available to veterans sickened by Agent Orange.
A variety of illnesses are on the list, including, but not limited to: Type 2 diabetes, prostate cancer, respiratory cancers, chronic B-cell leukemia, Hodgkin’s diseases, non-hodgkin’s lymphoma, Parkinson’s disease and Ischemic heart disease.
Many Vietnam veterans aren’t aware of the Agent Orange presumptive diseases. Furthermore, some veterans choose not to go to the VA for their treatment or some veterans have never thought to apply. Yet other veterans aren’t sure how to apply.
Claiming a disability from exposure to Agent Orange is an expedited claims process since the illnesses are “presumed” to be connected to Agent Orange exposure, meaning Vietnam veterans don’t have to prove an association between their medical problems and their military service as it relates to exposure to Agent Orange.
Any veteran or family member who might fit any of these categories should call the Rowan County Veteran Service Office at [login to see] .
http://www.salisburypost.com/2015/08/24/va-wants-all-veterans-exposed-to-agent-orange-to-apply-for-benefits/
Posted in these groups: 
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Agent Orange
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Agent Orange
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 10
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40 + Years and still no decision. When these do nothing politicians give political speeches I ask them what are they doing about or have done for onlyusa.us they become silent to the question. Veterans have been lied to for to many years it is time to let them know we are awake and see through their empty speeches. Salute to All _ Semper Fi _ onlyusa.us
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Harriet Nix
Exposure to AO can have effects that don't become obvious for quite a while. It can diminish attention span, contribute to addictive behaviors, and actually develop into intermittent insanity and very poor judgement. There's more than what's to the eye.
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Sgt Douglas Berger
They talk about adding an amendment to include Territorial Seas of Vietnam thinking we are to dumb to know Territorial Seas is only 12 miles from shore. They do not mention the aircraft landing on the decks of our aircraft carriers covered in Agent Orange from low flying air to ground support. Recently Sen Tester who sits on the committee said he is going to roll up his sleeves. What about his other 10 years.. as Vets died from Agent Orange exposure? onlyusa.us
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Suspended Profile
The Neimer Decision, I believe in 1997 settled the AO presumptive list. So many Vietnam vets, who washed their hands of the government, have never looked into it.
So all Vietnam and related area vets (Thailand, Korea, etc) should visit the VA AO website, and join the AO registry. Even if they are not suffering these horrid conditions, the data are vital for evaluating further research and care for people exposed to dioxins and other toxins.
In addition, Camp LeJeune and Ft McClellan had major toxic exposures. The VA is now paying benefits to dependents as well as vets from LeJeune and they basically follow the AO presumptive list for determining eligibility.
So all Vietnam and related area vets (Thailand, Korea, etc) should visit the VA AO website, and join the AO registry. Even if they are not suffering these horrid conditions, the data are vital for evaluating further research and care for people exposed to dioxins and other toxins.
In addition, Camp LeJeune and Ft McClellan had major toxic exposures. The VA is now paying benefits to dependents as well as vets from LeJeune and they basically follow the AO presumptive list for determining eligibility.
Suspended Profile
Not all vets exposed to Agent Orange are sick. Agent Orange is a toxin - not an illness. Vets who are not suffering AO related illnesses should not apply for disability benefits...
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Suspended Profile
First off is the Agent Orange registry. All exposed vets, whether from Nam or the affected areas in Korea, Thailand, Cambodia, etc, need to register on the AO registry. This alters them to issues that come up.
Secondly, the AO presumptive conditions do not expire, with the exception of a couple skin conditions that had to manifest within one year of exposure. So, no matter when a vet is diagnosed with an AO presumptive condition, they can then file for disability. I know at least two Nam vets on RP, for instance, who have told me they have no AO related conditions.
If they're not ill, they don't rate disability benefits...
Secondly, the AO presumptive conditions do not expire, with the exception of a couple skin conditions that had to manifest within one year of exposure. So, no matter when a vet is diagnosed with an AO presumptive condition, they can then file for disability. I know at least two Nam vets on RP, for instance, who have told me they have no AO related conditions.
If they're not ill, they don't rate disability benefits...
Cpl Lawrence Lavictoire
What I always wanted to know or should I say, "understand" was the way they presumed you had peripheral neuropathy caused by AO, but,but, it had to show up as a 10% disability in the first year you were exposed!!!!!!!! Back in 1968 did anyone know of AO possible effects on us let alone these effects of stupid 10% disability from AO which they didn't even know anything about, let alone medically test, or even understand! I feel totally ripped off as do so many thousands of men who proudly served there! Very sad!
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