Community providers: Learn about Agent Orange and caring for Vietnam-era Veterans
Webinar provides community providers with understanding of Agent Orange, how its exposure affects Veteran well-being, conditions to screen for and make recommendations to improve health outcomes.
VA releases updated DOD list identifying Agent Orange sites outside of Vietnam
VA has released an updated DOD list of locations outside of Vietnam where tactical herbicides were used, tested or stored by the United States military.
VA extends Agent Orange presumption to ‘Blue Water Navy’ Veterans
VA is preparing to process Agent Orange exposure claims for “Blue Water Navy” Veterans who served offshore of the Republic of Vietnam.
Agent Orange presumption policy leads to higher VA health care use
Researchers found those with presumptive conditions were more than twice as likely as those without the conditions to be frequent users of primary and specialty care in the VA health care system.
VA begins awarding compensation for C-123 Agent Orange claims
In 1997, 10 years after retiring from a 34-year career in the Army Reserve and Air Force Reserve, Edward Kosakoski was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Though his last assignment in the Reserve was as commander of the 74th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron at Westover Air Force Base in Massachusetts, it was during the mid-1970s and early 1980s that Lt. Col. K was exposed to Agent Orange [...]
10 things every Veteran should know about Agent Orange
1. Agent Orange was a herbicide and defoliant used in Vietnam Agent Orange was a blend of tactical herbicides the U.S. military sprayed from 1962 to 1971 during the Vietnam War to remove the leaves of trees and other dense tropical foliage that provided enemy cover. The U.S. Department of Defense developed tactical herbicides specifically to be used in “combat operations.” They were not commercial [...]
VA Nearly Done With Agent Orange Claims
About two years ago, Secretary Shinseki made the decision to award presumptions of service connection to certain diseases that may have been caused by exposure to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. That decision added nearly a quarter of a million claims to an already stressed backlog, but it was a long overdue victory for Vietnam Vets and their families who waited too long for [...]
Ships Added to List for Agent Orange Presumptives
Last year, VA added ischemic heart disease, hairy cell leukemia and other chronic B-cell leukemias, and Parkinson's disease to the list of diseases presumed to be related to exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam. It was a long time coming for Veterans who have been debilitated by diseases they may have contracted as a result of their combat deployment. So far, over $2.2 billion has [...]
A Faster Track for Agent Orange Claims
The VA has released the Fast Track claims processing system which will be used by Veterans who suffer from Agent Orange Presumptive diseases.
Veteran disability payments led to fewer hospitalizations
In 2001, VA made diabetes a presumptive condition for disability compensation. Veterans who served with "boots on the ground" in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos during the Vietnam war were eligible. The decision was based on an Institute of Medicine report that found a possible association between exposure to Agent Orange and diabetes.
Health Coaching: Managing illness and loss, one breath at a time
Army Veteran Elaine Knowles explained how Whole Health Coaching helped her manage during her late husband’s treatment and hospice care for Agent Orange related lung cancer.
Cancer Prevention and Veterans: What Are Your Exposure Risks?
Many Veterans have unique cancer exposure risks like Agent Orange. VA's cancer prevention programs can help.
