Agent Orange
Agent Orange is the code name for one of the herbicides and defoliants used by the U.S. military as part of it’s herbicidal warfare from 1961-1971. A defoliant is any chemical sprayed or dusted on plants to cause it’s leaves to fall off. It was used to destroy Vietnam’s forest cover and food supply. Up to 200,000 Vietnam veterans could be eligible for disability compensation for disease now associated with Agent Orange.
According to Wikipedia.com studies have shown that veterans who served in the South during the Vietnam War have increased rates of cancer, nerve, digestion, skin and respiratory disorders, and many more illnesses and diseases, as a result of exposure to Agent Orange/dioxin. They are eligible for compensation and treatment.
According the Department of Veterans Affair as of October 30, 2010, eligible Vietnam-era Veterans exposed to herbicides and disabled by chronic b-cell, leukemia’s, Parkinson’s disease, Diabetes Mellitus (Type2) or ischemic heart disease, may begin receiving disability and health care benefits on approved claims. These are just a few of the diseases resulting from being exposed to Agent Orange. Veterans may do so by applying at the Veterans Administration’s Fast Track Claims Processing System.
Agent Orange Exposure
Herbicides were sprayed in all 4 military zones of Vietnam. More than 19 million gallons of various herbicide combinations were used between 1961 and 1971.
These Veterans do not need to show that they were exposed to Agent Orange to receive the disability compensation for diseases associated with Agent Orange exposure. Veterans Administration has already recognized certain cancers and other health problems that military personnel incurred while in Vietnam.
American and Vietnam plaintiff’s have filed numerous lawsuits in the United States courts seeking compensation for exposure to Agent Orange. Some lawsuits have accused chemical companies of war crimes for selling Agent Orange to the military.
Women Veterans
Women veterans can also receive health care services. At each Veterans Administration Medical Center nationwide, a Women Veterans Program Manager is available to assist women Veterans. Health services may include mental health, sexual abuse counseling, military sexual trauma, and much more.
Environmental Epidemiology Services
The Environmental Epidemiology Services Conducts ongoing research studies on the health of Veterans. It keeps database and registries of Veteran’s exposures and health care utilization.
Honoring Veterans Today
There are those that are honoring veterans. On Veterans Day veterans have the opportunity to eat FREE at numerous restaurants. You can read about it in Veterans Day Events in Michigan. Veterans are also honored with parades, flag-folding ceremonies and much more. Iraq, Afghanistan, and World War veterans are honored also. It is just great to see the camaraderie not just in Michigan, but in numerous states. Although Veterans Day is highly recognized, there are homeless organizations that are ongoing to care for the homeless veterans. According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, 47% of Vietnam veterans are homeless.
Disability compensation benefits
Veterans exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam may be eligible for a monthly payment, a cost-free examination with no requirement for a co-payment. Veterans can expect a face-to-face consultation to discus the results and a follow-up letter.
To Contact Veterans Administration about benefits you can call the toll-free Helpline: 1-800-749-8387 Press 3
Agent Orange Registry Health Exam: 1-877-222-8387 (Ask to speak to the Environmental Health Coordinator or Patient Care Advocate)
Compensation and Other Benefits: 1-800-827-1000
To Go In person, go to the site listed below to find an office near you.
Nearest VA medical
For Compensation Benefits and Other Benefits go to your nearest VA benefits office.
Sources:
Wikipedia.com
United States Department of Veteran Affairs
Answers.com
Military.com
CNN.com
HowStuffWorks.com
National Coalition for the Homeless
