VA Adds New Diseases Linked to Agent Orange

A report on the Official Site of Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States states that Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki’s has made the decision to increase by three the number of illnesses that can now be linked to the herbicide defoliant Agent Orange, which was used extensively during the Vietnam War.

The addition of these three illnesses to the list makes it so Veterans who contracted one or more of the 15 associated illnesses no longer have to prove their illness was due to their service in Vietnam during the war. This will will enable more veterans to receive the healthcare and benefits they earned and deserve."

You can read the full article at:

http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=news.newsDtl&did=5253

Comments: 13

Vivian P. Nov 2, 2009, 12:15pm EST

it's about time

Bob B. Nov 2, 2009, 12:17pm EST

This is good news, Vivian.

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Jennifer K. Nov 2, 2009, 12:16pm EST

That is great news. It is so past time!!!!!!

Bob B. Nov 2, 2009, 12:17pm EST

I agree, Jennifer.

Jennifer K. Nov 2, 2009, 12:21pm EST

They need to provide more benefits for those that need to seek psychiatric help as well. I lost my uncle to suicide as opposed to an actual illness that could be seen. He was never right when he came home from Vietnam.

Bob B. Nov 2, 2009, 12:23pm EST

Our Veterans deserve much more in health care than they currently receive.

Connie C. Nov 2, 2009, 1:26pm EST

Jennifer,
I too lost an Uncle the same way for the same reason

Jennifer K. Nov 2, 2009, 1:32pm EST

Our veterans deserve more fromt his country than they have ever gotten. I lived with a man for 5 years taht was a Vietnam vet. He passed away from pancreatic cancer. He didn't have that good of care at the VA hospitals. He refused to go to the one in Chicago because of the caer they received so he would drive out to Wisconsin. It's a shame how these men are treated after they put their lives on the line.

Bob B. Nov 2, 2009, 1:34pm EST

You are so right, Jennifer. It's obscene the way our Veterans are treated.

Jennifer K. Nov 2, 2009, 1:37pm EST

The men and women that fought in long ago wars seem to have been forgotten. We all need to remember that there were many veterans of wars that never received the respect or care that they deserve. We hear more about todays soldiers, but we also have to remember yesterdays soldiers.

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Connie C. Nov 2, 2009, 1:25pm EST

It is about time. Our Vets do not receive the care or compassion they deserve. I know because I went with my Father In Law to the VA many times and they are just herded in and out like livestock. He died in a VA hospital and I was not pleased at all with his care