Agent Orange Victims Broadened Eligibility

By: Dan Meyer

The office hours for the Big Stone County Veterans Service Office are 7:30 am – 4:00 pm Monday through Friday. My office phone number is (320) 839-6398.

Flash News! Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Eric K. Shin­seki, has added B cell leukemias, Par­kinson’s Disease and ischemic heart disease to the list of illnesses eligible for Agent Orange benefits.

This addition was made as a result of a study conducted by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), which associated these diseases with exposure to Agent Orange. The herbicide Agent Orange was used during the Vietnam War to defo­liate vegetation in enemy territory.

It is estimated that between 1965 and 1970 nearly 2.6 million military personnel were exposed to Agent Orange, many of whom continue to suffer from disability and disease.

The VA has established a presump­tion rule to speed up the applica­tion process for benefits. This rule exempts Vietnam Veterans from providing proof that their illness is associated with their military service.

With the addition of B cell leukemias, Parkinson’s Disease, and ischemic heart disease, the number of pre­sumed illnesses recognized by the VA is now 15.

Many Veterans and organizations have been working to get diseases like these three added to the presumptive illness list for Agent Orange.

“The addition of these conditions to the Agent Orange presumption list will provide affected veterans with much needed benefits and medical services,” said Reggie Worlds, Senior Director of Programs and Services for the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs.

“The Veteran community applauds the work of the IOM, and the actions of Secretary Shinseki,” he continued.

If you are a Vietnam Veteran who suffers from, or a survivor of a Veteran who died from one of these three diseases, contact your County Veterans Service Officer for information on the claims process.

Trivia Question. Who signed Major Clark Gable’s army discharge papers? Hint: It was signed by a captain in 1944. The answer in next week’s article.

Until next week, take care and “Fair Winds and Following Seas!”