AARP Eye Center
For many of us, we have known Agent Orange to be a plant killing chemical; sprayed on plants to remove forest cover to destroy growing vegetation near perimeters of US bases. Agent Orange is also commonly known as a defoliant. Now, current research has shown that the two main defoliants used in those sprays are cancerous and have wreaked devastating and debilitating health issues among many of our veterans.
It's easy to get lost in the system or be confused on where to go for help. Here's the skinny on how to file a claim if you or someone you know was affected.
- Who qualifies? Veterans who served in Vietnam anytime between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, who presumed exposure to Agent Orange herbicides
- Which health conditions may be linked to exposure?
- Ischemic Heart Disease
- Hairy Cell and other B-Cell Leukemias
- Parkinson's Disease
- Prostate Cancer
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
- Hodgkin's Disease
- Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
- Multiple Myeloma
- To cut through the red tape the Government has set up a fast track website specifically for this issue, and dedicated employees and funds to keep up with the backlog or requests.
- Additional information about Agent Orange and VA’s services for Veterans: www.publichealth.va.gov; www.cgretirenw.org; www.vba.va.gov.gov; www.VAbenefits.vba.va.gov
A big thanks go out to our veterans who have sacrificed much and continue to do so long after their active duty has ended.