Friday, November 26, 2010

San Diego-VA Issues $8 Million in 730 Agent Orange Cases

Full Article at: MILITARY: Agent Orange claims flow in; some paid

By RICK ROGERS - For The North County Times North County Times - Californian | Posted: Friday, November 26, 2010 12:00 am

Just weeks after accepting claims from veterans filing for three new disabilities linked to Vietnam-era herbicide Agent Orange exposure, the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office in San Diego has issued $8 million in 730 cases.

Up to 200,000 Vietnam Veterans are potentially eligible to receive VA disability through this initiative designed to compensate veterans with B-cell leukemia, Parkinson’s disease or ischemic heart disease.

Veterans with these conditions who stepped foot in Vietnam between Jan. 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, are presumed to have contracted them via exposure to Agent Orange and don't need to prove their military service caused their illnesses, according to the VA.

The recognition of the presumptive illness, especially ischemic heart disease, which is common in an aged population, could open the door to tens of thousands seeking compensation. Spouses who lost husbands or wives to these conditions are also in line for awards.

In late October, the VA finalized regulations for the three new disabilities. The VA regional benefit office in San Diego County is the central processing site and has received 5,000 Agent Orange claims from both San Diego County veterans and other regional VA offices."