Not So Fast on Agent Orange Compensation Cutoff ( American Legion)

[MORTARDUDE]

Not So Fast on Agent Orange Compensation Cutoff

WASHINGTON, March 04, 2004 - Some Vietnam veterans have already developed cancer related to their Agent Orange exposure. Others will become ill decades after coming home. Bottom Line: Environmental cancers don?t have cutoff dates, and there should be no cutoff after which a Vietnam veteran with respiratory cancer is no longer presumed to be a victim of exposure to the herbicide.

A committee of the Institute of Medicine on Tuesday confirmed this, the long-advocated position of the 2.7 million-member American Legion, the nation?s largest veterans organization. Although Congress eliminated a previous 30-year limit for respiratory cancers in late 2001, it mandated the Department of Veterans Affairs to explore whether a new limit is warranted.

?Victims of Agent Orange exposure have cleared a major obstacle, and the men and women of The American Legion scaled that barrier with them,? American Legion National Commander John Brieden said. ?Who knows how long after exposure to Agent Orange one will suffer from its harmful effects? Our government must expedite just compensation and medical treatment to all victims of this harmful substance, regardless of when their service-connected disabilities arise.?

The American Legion, which will mark the 85th anniversary of its founding March 15-17, reiterated its call for a comprehensive, government-funded study of the health of Vietnam veterans.

?The effects of wartime experiences can be long-lasting,? Brieden said. ?The sooner the government plans and funds a comprehensive study, the sooner veterans suffering from the lingering effects of their sacrifice will receive long-overdue health care and disability compensation.?

The American Legion and Columbia University broke ground with a joint study of Vietnam veterans? health conducted in the 1980s and a recent follow-up study. Both studies identified veterans who are still suffering from PTSD, illnesses linked to Agent Orange and other service-connected conditions. The American Legion also fights on behalf of Korean War victims of Agent Orange.

Veterans seeking more information about how to obtain benefits may call (800) 433-3318 to locate the nearest American Legion service officer.


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