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Friday, August 20, 2021
The Spokesman-Review
VETERANS CHRONICLE
10 FACTS THAT EVERY VETERAN SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AGENT ORANGE: PART 2
Continuing to educate readers about the basics of VA’s Agent Orange benefits and care 4. Veterans who want to be considered for disability compensation must file a claim.
Veterans who want to be considered for disability compensation for health problems related to Agent Orange exposure must file a claim at www.ebenefits.va.gov/ ebenefits/homepage During the claims process, the VA will check military records to confirm exposure to Agent Orange or qualifying military service. If necessary, a VA official will set up a separate exam for compensation.
5. VA offers health care benefits for veterans who may have been exposed to Agent Orange and other herbicides during military service.
Veterans who served in Vietnam between Jan. 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, are eligible to enroll in VA health care. The list of eligible veterans has been expanded for a full list go to. VA.gov or www.va.gov/disability/ eligibility/hazardous-materialsexposure/agent-orange/
6. Participating in an Agent Orange Registry health exam helps you, other veterans, and the VA.
VA’s Agent Orange Registry health exam alerts veterans to possible long-term health problems that may be related to Agent Orange exposure during military
ASSOCIATED PRESS
A Vietnamese worker sprays water over stones to be used in the construction of a silo for storing soil contaminated with Agent Orange dioxide at the site of a former American airbase in Danang, Vietnam on Wednesday, April 24, 2013. The U.S. government is paying for a cleanup at the airbase, which was used during the Vietnam War to store Agent Orange defoliant since linked to illnesses and disabilities among Vietnamese. service. The registry data helps VA understand and respond to these health problems more effectively. The exam is free to eligible Veterans and enrollment in VA health care is not necessary. Al-
though the findings of your exam may be used to inform your subsequent care, they may not be used when applying for compensation – a separate exam is required. Contact your local VA Environmental Health Coordi-
nator (Michelle Traylor (509) 434-7544. Michelle.Traylor@ va.gov) about getting an Agent Orange Registry health exam. A complete list of all 10 items can be found on VeteransHelpNet.com. Part 3 will
be published in a future edition. Does this sound like someone you know? To find out more Visit VA.com or contact one of the resources in the “How can I Get Help?” section on Page 5.
