Honolulu Star-Bulletin
Special Section on the MIA ID Lab.
Image used with permission
MIA Recovery
Agent Orange
The "Agent Orange Review" is prepared by VA's Environmental Agents Service (EAS). The "Review" is published to provide information on Agent Orange and related matters to Vietnam veterans, their families, and others with concerns about herbicides used in Vietnam. The first issue was released in November 1982.Agent Orange Review Website
Back issues are also available at this site.Comments or questions about the content of the "Review" are encouraged. suggestions and ideas for future issues should be sent to Donald J. Rosenblum, Agent Orange Review, Deputy Director, Environmental Agents Service (131), VA Central Office, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420.
Questions about the Agent Orange Registry examination program should be directed to the Registry Physician or Agent Orange Registry Coordinator at the nearest VA medical center. Questions regarding eligibility for health care should be directed to the hospital administration service at the nearest VA medical center. Questions regarding VA benefit programs, including disability compensation, should be referred to a veteran's benefits counselor at the nearest VA facility. The telephone numbers can be found in the telephone directory under the "U.S.Government" listings. The national toll-free telephone number for information regarding VA benefits is 1-800-827-1000
VA Approves Presumptive Service-Connection for Type 2 DiabetesVA Diabetes Information website
Notes from Paul Nett - COMSEC email list charter member
Greetings,
Eligibility/Enrollment Specialist with the VA in Portland, OR.The VA Regional Office's have been accepting claims for Service Connected medical condition since Nov of 2000, but the final regulations will not be in effect for another 30-60 days.
Remember, the VA is a huge bureaucracy, the MED CEN give medical care, the Regional Office evaulates claims and gives the $$$ to eligible Vets.
Vets who have an honorable discharge are eligible for health care. Since Sept. 81, the vet must have a minimum of 24 months of continuous active duty. Reservists who are activated by presidential orders and spend the the whole time as the unit activated are eligible also (they do not need 24 months). Reservists with only BCT and AIT then 20-100 years in the Guard or Reserves = NOT eligible for health care.
I highly recommend using any of the service organizations for assistance with filing a claim at the regional office (RO). Here in Portland the American Legion has a rep that has high mark for getting claims processed. There are reps for many service organizaions in the Federal Buildings with the VARO.
Be patient & courteous, but be a squeky wheel!!! I have a claim the is over a year old, but I have learned some things and have filled subsequent claims. That complicates the initial claim with all the other things and slows it down.
I get all my health care at the VA, I have 10% SC disability now and can get my glasses for free. There is no dental in Portland for anyone other that 100% SC vets. I believe other VA MEDCEN have differnt policies on certain medical services. Pharmacy co-pay is $2.00 for each 30 day of each med that is not SC.
The new Vet Benefit Book is on line at www.va.gov Check the site out, you can get all the forms you need on line.
I will answer any question you might have that I know the answer for!
Paul F. Nett Send email here.
Conditions Recognized as Service-Connected for Vietnam Veterans Based on Exposure to Agent Orange or Other Herbicides
Conditions Recognized in Children of Vietnam Veterans
- Chloracne
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Soft tissue sarcoma
- Hodgkin's disease
- Porphyria cutanea tarda
- Multiple myeloma
- Respiratory cancers (including cancers of the lung, larynx, trachea, and bronchus)
- Prostate cancer
- Peripheral neuropathy (transcient acute or subacute)
- Diabetes (regulations pending)
- Spina bifida (except spina bifida occulta)
Gulf War Review
Organizations and individuals who wish to get on the mailing list for the "Gulf War Review" newsletter, should send their name and address, to Gulf War Review, Environmental Agents Service (131), VA Central Office, 810 Vermont Avenue, N. W., Washington, DC 20420.
LINKS to other Veteran Issues websites.Army Vaccines & Gulf War Syndrome
LINKS to free Newsletters
Armed Forces News > The FREE Weekly Email Newsletter for Armed Forces Personnel & Retirees
http://www.armedforcesnews.comThe Military Community's > FREE Weekly Email Newsletter
http://www.militaryreport.comFPMI's FedNews OnLine is a free daily news service from FPMI Communications
http://www.fpmi.com/FedNews/DailyNews.html