| The Department of Veterans Affairs established a
service-connection for Vietnam veterans suffering from
Parkinson's disease, ischemic heart disease (IHD) and
B-cell leukemias such as hairy-cell leukemia. These illnesses
are now considered "presumed" illnesses. This "presumption"
simplifies and speeds up the application process for VA benefits. It
is important to note that this new policy will not go into effect
until sometime in 2010. At which point affected veterans will be
urged to submit new disability claims. Additional information about
Agent Orange and VA's services and programs for veterans exposed to
the chemical are available at VA's
Agent Orange webpage, or call the toll-free helpline at
800-749-8387.
In plan English, if you have been diagnosed with Heart Disease and you served "in" Vietnam. You should contact your local veteran service officer and file a claim with the Veterans Benefits Administration. |
