My ltte printed today-re:Recent Agent Orange decisions by VA

[w8liftinglady]

http://www.thedailylight.com/articles/2010/09/01/opinion/doc4c7e7d0801564659140252.txt

To the Editor,

It only took 40 years. The hard work performed by medical and veteran advocates in respect to Agent Orange exposure of Vietnam veterans has had an effect on the Veterans Administration. The VA has “officially recognized” three new Agent Orange Presumptives: Ischemic Heart Disease, Chronic B Cell Leukemias and Parkinson’s Disease.

This recognition will involve approximately 87,000 veterans ill with these previously denied disease presumptives, as well as 15,000 survivors of deceased veterans. The B Cell Leukemias and Parkinson’s Disease are anticipated to qualify for up to 100 percent disability, and the Ischemic Heart Disease will qualify for up to 60 percent disability. Veterans who served in Vietnam from Jan. 9, 1962 to May 7, 1975 are presumed to have been exposed to Agent Orange and qualify for medical treatment and retroactive disability compensation.As many of these veterans are now deceased as a result of their illnesses, their survivors may also qualify for retroactive benefits.

The most current list of presumptives is at :

http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/diseases.asp

If this describes you or someone you know, you may access this site to begin the application process:

http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/AO/claimherbicide.htm

Approval of these benefits is dependent on provisions of the Congressional Review Act that require a 60-day Congressional review period before implementation. This is where we as citizens come into play. It is each of our duties to contact our representative and senators and insist on approval of these additions. You can find a complete version of the rule HERE:

http://www.vawatchdog.org/10/nf10/nfaug10/nf083110-6.htm

These veterans have waited 40 years. It’s a slap in the face to make our veterans-or their families-wait any longer. Let’s begin supporting our troops when they come home by speaking up for them when they need us to. We owe it to them as a grateful nation.

[Polly Hennessey]

1. Vets

Thank you.

[w8liftinglady]

4. Thank you,Polly-let's keep speaking out!

[Altoid_Cyclist]

2. Thumbs up on yet another on the money LTTE.

I hope that your recovery is still going well. :hi:

I haven't been around much lately so I hope that there haven't been any setbacks.

[w8liftinglady]

3. thanks-I'm doing great....glad to see you,too!