Army News, news from Iraq, - Army Times

Quick Links

http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/10/ap_va_vietnam_agent_orange_101309/
news/2009/10/ap_va_vietnam_agent_orange_101309

VA expands benefits status for Vietnam veterans


The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Oct 14, 2009 7:10:42 EDT

WASHINGTON — The Veterans Affairs Department said Tuesday it plans to make it easier for Vietnam veterans exposed to the agent orange herbicide who suffer from certain medical conditions to qualify for VA benefits.

The conditions are B cell leukemias, Parkinson’s disease and ischemic heart disease. The veterans with those conditions under the VA’s proposal would have presumptive status, which would make it easier to obtain benefits.

Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki made the decision based on findings in a study by the Institute of Medicine, the VA said.

It would bring to 15 the number of medical conditions that have presumptive status in connection to agent orange exposure.

The VA estimates that about 200,000 Vietnam veterans might seek benefits under the proposed change in policy.

Agent orange was used to defoliate trees to make it easier to see enemy action. The VA estimates that between January 1965 and April 1970, more than 2 million military personnel were potentially exposed to it.

DISCUSS: This story



Contests and Promotions

Service Members Of The Year


promo Nominate Someone Today!
Know someone with whom you are proud to serve? Nominate them for a 2010 Military Times Service Members of the Year Award.

FREE AFG or IRQ I Served Sticker


promo Click here so we can send you a FREE AFG or IRQ I Served sticker

Win Military Times Outdoorsman Package


promo ENTER TO WIN...
This rugged package is for the serious outdoorsman and includes a CamelBak Hydration System, CamelBak Impact II CT gloves and more. Click here for more info.

Marketplace

Military Discounts


Save on your purchases!
In honor of your military service, you can find regular and name brand products at a special discount.

Shoplocal

  Shop Local
Local Online Deals
Find the best deals at your local stores.