|
|
|
|
Agent Orange News
• Ischemic Heart Disease A disease characterized by a reduced supply of blood to the heart, that can lead to chest pain (angina) • Multiple Myeloma A cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell in bone marrow • Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma A group of cancers that affect the lymph glands and other lymphatic tissue • Parkinson's Disease A progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects muscle movement • Peripheral Neuropathy, Early-Onset A nervous system condition that causes numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. Under VA's rating regulations, it must be at least 10 percent disabling within one year of herbicide exposure. • Porphyria Cutanea Tarda A disorder characterized by liver dysfunction and by thinning and blistering of the skin in sun-exposed areas. Under VA's rating regulations, it must be at least 10 percent disabling within one year of exposure to herbicides. • Prostate Cancer Cancer of the prostate; one of the most common cancers among older men • Respiratory Cancers (includes lung cancer) Cancers of the lung, larynx, trachea, and bronchus • Soft Tissue Sarcomas (other than osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, or mesothelioma) A specific group of malignant of cancers in body tissues such as muscle, fat, blood and lymph vessels, and connective tissues 4. Veterans who want to be considered for disability compensation must file a claim. Veterans who want to be considered for disability compensation for health problems related to Agent Orange exposure must file a claim. During the claims process, VA will check military records to confirm exposure to Agent Orange or qualifying military service. If necessary, VA will set up a separate exam for compensation. 5. VA offers health care benefits for Veterans who may have been exposed
to Agent Orange and other herbicides during military service. Veterans who served in Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, are eligible
to enroll in VA health care. Visit VA's health benefits explorer to check your eligibility and learn how to apply. 6. Participating in an Agent Orange Registry health exam helps you,
other Veterans and VA. VA's
Agent Orange Registry health exam alerts Veterans to possible long-term health problems that may be related to Agent Orange
exposure during their military service. The registry data helps VA understand and respond to these health problems more effectively. The exam is free to eligible Veterans and enrollment in VA health
care is not necessary. Although the findings of your exam may be used to inform your subsequent care, they may not be used
when applying for compensation as a separate exam is required. Contact your local VA Environmental Health Coordinator about
getting an Agent Orange Registry health exam. 7. VA recognizes and offers support for the children of Veterans affected by Agent Orange
who have birth defects. VA
has recognized that certain birth defects among Veterans' children are associated with Veterans' qualifying service in Vietnam
or Korea. • Spina bifida (except spina bifida occulta), a defect in the developing
fetus that results in incomplete closing of the spine, is associated with Veterans' exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides
during qualifying service in Vietnam or Korea.
8. Vietnam Veterans are not the only Veterans who may have been exposed to Agent Orange. Agent Orange and other herbicides used in Vietnam were used, tested or stored elsewhere, including some military bases in the United States. Other locations/scenarios in which Veterans were exposed to Agent Orange may include: • Korean Demilitarized Zone 9. VA continues to conduct research on the long-term health effects of Agent Orange in order to better care for all Veterans. VA and other Federal government Departments and agencies have conducted, and continue to conduct, extensive research evaluating the health effects of Agent Orange exposure on U.S. Veterans. An example is the Army Chemical Corps Vietnam-Era Veterans Health Study designed to examine if high blood pressure (hypertension) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are related to herbicide exposure during the Vietnam War. Researchers have completed data collection and aim to publish initial findings in a scientific journal in 2015.
10. VA contracts with an independent, non-governmental organization to review the scientific and medical information on the health effects of Agent Orange.
|
|
|||||||||||||||
|
|