40 years later-more vets may see some acknowledgment of their illnesses-my latest ltte

[w8liftinglady]

please offer any suggestions before I publish


It only took 40 years.The hard work performed by medical and veteran advocates in respect to Agent Orange exposure of Viet Nam 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% disability,and the Is chemic Heart Disease will qualify for up to 60% disability.Veterans who served in Viet Nam from 01/09/1962 to 05/07/1975 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.

[TacticalPeek]

1. What you said.

:kick:

[bobbolink]

2. K&R This is so important!

[w8liftinglady]

3. Thanks-people I know deny there is even a problem...

[bobbolink]

4. Of course! If they admitted a problem, it would force them to TAKE ACTION!

Just like with homelessness, and now the disability purge.

I want to ask you... if you see numbers of vets on disability, are you seeing increased numbers of vets being cut off?

Please see these threads:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x9046102

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x9034376

I just finished the vet part of the homelessness PowerPoint I am working on... if you'd like to see it, let me know.

[w8liftinglady]

5. I'd love to see...I am a member of the Nat coalition for homeless veterans

https://www715.ssldomain.com/nchv/about.cfm

[bobbolink]

6. I am using stats from NCHV. I figured they would be the most accurate.

Although, as far as I'm concerned, any numbers concerning homelessness are suspect, because the population is so fluid, and, truthfully, the interest isn't there.

That is why I posted the info on the homeless school children, because those are school records, and therefore much more likely to be accurate.

PM me and we will figure out a way for you to see what I have on vets for the PowerPoint. I think it will be compelling.

Thank you for all you are doing! :yourock:

[w8liftinglady]

7. true-especially homeless female vets and children...living in a garage,spare room,etc

there aren't many shelters here for homeless women and families,I'm afraid.

[w8liftinglady]

8. damn-and now I see Simpson's remarks.

My rage is beyond words.

[w8liftinglady]

9. kicking for the Nam Vets and their families(which includes me,by the way)