VA Sets New Benefit Rules for Agent Orange-Related Ilnesses

Washington, DC: The Department of Veterans Affairs has issued new rules regarding medical benefits for illnesses linked to Agent Orange -- a highly toxic defoliant used during the Vietnam War.

Under the new rules, three illnesses previously suspected of having links to Agent Orange exposure, namely Parkinson's Disease, Hairy Cell and other types of chronic, b-cell leukemia, and Ischemic Heart Disease, will be treated as "presumptive" illnesses, Stripes Central reported.

According to reports, veterans who are able to show a diagnosis of any of those medical problems and exposure to Agent Orange, will no longer be required to prove a connection between the two facts in order to claim compensation. A 10 percent disability resulting from the illness must also be evident.

Media reports suggest that as many as 150,000 Vietnam veterans will apply for the benefits during the next 18 months. Further, an additional 90,000 vets who's had their claims denied will have their filed reviewed.

Legal Help

If you or a loved one has suffered illness or an adverse health event related to this exposure to this agent, please click the link below and your complaint will be sent to a lawyer who may evaluate your claim at no cost or obligation.
Published on Sep-2-10