Is there a Purple Heart for Agent Orange exposure?

Unfortunately, this myth spread nationwide and took almost thirty years to extinguish.” “Today, there is a new group of Vietnam vets who are spreading the myth that anyone diagnosed with an Agent Orange related illness is eligible for the Purple Heart. This claim is also false.”

What are the three new Agent Orange presumptive diseases?

As a result of the FY21 National Defense Authorization Act, VA added three new conditions that are related to exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides: bladder cancer, hypothyroidism, and Parkinsonism (also known as Parkinson-like conditions).

What does Agent Orange do to a person?

Many medical conditions are associated with Agent Orange exposure. Diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and several forms of cancer are among the diseases caused by Agent Orange. If you were exposed to Agent Orange during military service, you may qualify for VA disability benefits.

Does Agent Orange still affect Vietnam?

Agent Orange, a chemical used by the U.S. military during the war, continues to have harmful impacts in Vietnam today. The Red Cross estimates that three million Vietnamese have been affected by Agent Orange, including at least 150,000 children born with serious birth defects. This is a humanitarian concern.

What does Agent Orange do to the human body?

Short-term exposure to dioxin can cause darkening of the skin, liver problems and a severe acne-like skin disease called chloracne. Additionally, dioxin is linked to type 2 diabetes, immune system dysfunction, nerve disorders, muscular dysfunction, hormone disruption and heart disease.

Can I win a claim for Agent Orange exposure for veterans?

Our veterans’ disability lawyers with Gang and Associates continue to win claims and appeals for veterans exposed to Agent Orange with the help of leading U.S. medical experts and scientific research analysis. If the VA or Board of Veterans Appeals has denied your claim for a disease related to Agent Orange exposure, call our office.

Are new Agent Orange diseases just around the corner?

But news of new Agent Orange diseases may be just around the corner. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary David J. Shulkin may announce within a matter of months whether the VA will add five new medical conditions to its presumptive diseases associated with Agent Orange list.

Will the VA add Parkinson’s disease to the Agent Orange list?

Now, the VA is considering adding bladder cancer, parkinsonism (Parkinson-like symptoms), hypothyroidism, stroke and hypertension to the Agent Orange diseases list after a scientific research analysis by the IOM found evidence of Agent Orange association with these diseases.

What does David Shulkin’s decision mean for Agent Orange coverage?

Shulkin will also decide whether the VA will extend Agent Orange coverage to Blue Water Navy veterans and veterans stationed in the Korean demilitarized zone during the Vietnam War.