Veterans exposed to herbicides while serving along the Korean DMZ will have an easier path to access quality health care and disability compensation under a VA’s new regulation published Jan. 25 which expands the dates when illnesses caused by herbicide
Veterans exposed to herbicides while serving along the Korean DMZ will have an easier path to access quality health care and disability compensation under a VA’s new regulation published Jan. 25 which expands the dates when illnesses caused by herbicide exposure can be presumed related to Agent Orange.
Under the new regulation, VA will presume herbicide exposure for any veteran who served between April 1, 1968, and Aug. 31, 1971, in a unit determined by VA and DoD to have operated in area’s near the Korean DMZ where herbicides were used.
Previously, VA presumed AO exposure only for service between April 1968 and July 1969. In practical terms, eligible veterans who have specific illnesses VA presumes to be associated with herbicide exposure do not have to prove an association between their illness and their military service. This “presumption” simplifies and speeds up the application process for benefits and ensures that Veterans receive the benefits they deserve. For a complete list of diseases covered under the rule of presumption, visit www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/diseases.asp#veterans
Benefits for children with spina bifida
Affected children who are the biological children of veterans who served in Vietnam or in the Korean DMZ may be eligible if the birth father or mother served:
– In Vietnam during the period from January 9, 1962 through May 7, 1975, or
– In or near the DMZ between Sept. 1, 1967 and Aug. 31, 1971 and were actually exposed to herbicides. Veterans who served in a unit in or near the DMZ anytime between April 1, 1968 and Aug. 31, 1971 are presumed to have been exposed to herbicides.
The affected child must have been conceived after the veteran first entered Vietnam or Korea during the qualifying service period. For more information about eligibility, application procedures and benefits, visit the VA website at http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/benefits_children.asp#, or contact the Kaua‘i Office of Veterans Services.
Veterans’ children with other birth defects
Children who have certain birth defects and are biological children of women Vietnam veterans may be eligible if the birth mother served in Vietnam during the period beginning Feb. 28, 1961 and ending on May 7, 1975.
The affected child must have been conceived after the veteran first entered Vietnam during the qualifying service period. For a list of these diseases or to find out more, visit www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/conditions/birth_defects.asp. For more information about eligibility, application procedures and benefits, visit the VA website at www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/benefits_children.asp#, or contact the Kaua‘i Office of Veterans Services.
Updated ships list
The National Association for Uniformed Services (NAUS) recently published an updated list of Navy and Coast Guard vessels which VA has confirmed served in the coastal waters or inland waters of Vietnam. The list is too lengthy to publish here, however, individual copies and disability claim applications may be picked up at the Kaua‘i Office of Veterans’ Services.
Competitors needed
All military veterans age 55 or older who receive VA health care are invited to compete in the 2011 National Veterans Golden Age Games from May 27-31 in Honolulu. Events include: swimming, cycling, golf, shot-put, discus, 10-meter air rifle, table tennis, dominoes, shuffleboard, horseshoes, nine-ball, bowling, checkers and croquet. Registration deadline is Feb. 28.
Celebrating its 25th year, the National Veterans Golden Age Games is the largest sports and recreation competition for veterans in the world.
This year, Honolulu was selected as the location for the 2011 Games and will be hosted by the VA Pacific Islands Healthcare System and the VA Sierra Pacific Network.
For registration, airfare, lodging, meals, costs, etc. information, visit their website at www.veteransgoldenagegames.va.gov or stop by the Kaua‘i CBOC, Kaua‘i Vet Center or Kaua‘i Office of Veterans’ Services. You may also contact the Golden Games Office in O‘ahu toll-free at 877-933-0162 or e-mail v21hongoldenagegames@va.gov.
Caregiver Support Line
The toll-free National Caregiver Support Line (1-855-260-3274) was created to recognize the significant contributions made by caregivers in allowing veterans to remain at home surrounded by family and friends. Open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (EST); licensed clinical social workers are available to answer your questions, listen to your concerns and directly link you to the Caregiver Support Coordinator at your local VA Medical Center. Each VA Medical Center has a Caregiver Support Coordinator who can locate assistance tailored to your unique situation. (http://www.caregiver.va.gov/National_Support_Line.asp)
• Tony Elliott, Kaua‘i Office of Veterans’ Services, can be reached at 241-3348.
