[NYTr] Vietnam Vets: VA Recognizes Type II Diabetes-Dioxin Connection

[All the News That Doesn't Fit]

[As current veterans are being ignored, ill-treated or not treated,
veterans from the US war against Vietnam 20, 30, 40 years later are
receiving more and more recognition and benefits for their agent-orange
(and agent purple, white, etc) dioxin-caused illnesses.  The VA fought
for years against recognizing any of these ailments as
service-connected.  Now, there is general recognition of many of the
illnesses they refused benefits for over the years -- soft-tissue
sarcoma, other cancers, chloracne, birth defects in children such as
spina bifida, and even certain forms of non-hodgkins lymphoma in the
children of vets (though the latter is not yet eligible for benefits).

The latest to be recognized as service-connected is type II diabetes in
veterans exposed to dioxin, including not just Vietnam vets, but those
who served at Fort Drum in the US (and perhaps many other bases, which
are known to be some of the most toxic places on earth).  It seems that
Vets from Korea, those few who still survive, are not yet considered
automatically eligible for compensation, but MAY be in the future, and
are at least being examined and registered, according to this notice.
Veterans of the Bush Wars can take heart: In a generation or two, maybe
their ailments will be paid some attention. -NY Transfer]


New York State Division of Veterans Affairs (no date)
http://www.veterans.state.ny.us/vvaodiabetes.htm

Are you a Vietnam veteran with diabetes?

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has determined
that adult-onset diabetes mellitus (Type II) is linked to exposure to
the herbicide Agent Orange.

You may be eligible for monthly disability compensation benefits and VA
health care if you were "in country" during the Vietnam War and now
have diabetes.

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has established a
toll-free help line (800-749-8387) to assist Vietnam veterans who may
have been exposed to Agent Orange, the dioxin-laced herbicide used for
defoliation in Vietnam, as well as along the demilitarized zone (DMZ)
in Korea in 1968-69 and even at Fort Drum in upstate New York in 1959.

Callers can speak directly to VA representatives Monday through Friday,
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central Time, or access a 24-hour automated system
that provides a recording about available VA health care and benefits.

Agent Orange has been linked to a number of cancers and most recently
recognized by the VA as a presumptive cause for Type 2, adult diabetes.
The VA currently is developing regulations that will govern the
awarding of compensation benefits for in country Vietnam veterans
diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

Previously recognized as service-connected conditions associated with
exposure to Agent Orange were Chloracne, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, soft
tissue sarcoma, Hodgkin's disease, porphyria cutanea tarda, multiple
myeloma, respiratory cancers, prostate cancer, and peripheral
neuropathy.

The VA also has recognized and provides benefits for children of
Vietnam veterans afflicted with the birth defect Spina Bifida.

Veterans stationed along the DMZ in Korea in 1968-69 are not eligible
for presumptive disability compensation benefits, but are eligible for
VA Agent Orange Registry examinations. Veterans who believe they were
exposed to Agent Orange should contact their nearest VA medical center
facility to be included in the Agent Orange Registry.

The VA also has been asked to expand the Registry to include those
veterans exposed to Agent Orange while stationed at Fort Drum.

Contact your nearest New York State Division of Veterans' Affairs'
State Veterans Counseling Office for more information or assistance in
filing for any veterans benefits by calling toll-free 1-888-VETS NYS or
check the office listing.