Blue Water Navy

Just released last night under the cover of darkness:

http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel
VA Extends "Agent Orange" Benefits to More Veterans

Parkinson's Disease, Two Other Illnesses Recognized

WASHINGTON (Oct. 13, 2009) - Relying on an independent study by the
Institute of Medicine (IOM), Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K.
Shinseki decided to establish a service-connection for Vietnam Veterans
with three specific illnesses based on the latest evidence of an
association with the herbicides referred to Agent Orange.

The illnesses affected by the recent decision are B cell leukemias, such
as hairy cell leukemia; Parkinson's disease; and ischemic heart disease.

Used in Vietnam to defoliate trees and remove concealment for the enemy,
Agent Orange left a legacy of suffering and disability that continues to
the present. Between January 1965 and April 1970, an estimated 2.6
million military personnel who served in Vietnam were potentially
exposed to sprayed Agent Orange.

In practical terms, Veterans who served in Vietnam during the war and
who have a "presumed" illness don't have to prove an association between
their illnesses and their military service. This "presumption"
simplifies and speeds up the application process for benefits.

The Secretary's decision brings to 15 the number of presumed illnesses
recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

"We must do better reviews of illnesses that may be connected to
service, and we will," Shinseki added. "Veterans who endure health
problems deserve timely decisions based on solid evidence."

Dave, I wonder if say someone with chronic peripheral neuropathy, how they match up in total numbers as compared to the remaining presumptive illinesses. It is all but guaranteed if the DVA dropped all the prerequisites for Peripheral Neuropathy that this would be a significant and productive turn around. Unfortunately as usual don't hold your breath! I would still like to know the actual numbers represented here on this one illiness! It has to be a huge number affected any way you cut it!

David,
I understand that the Parkinsons Group that worked hard to get PD added to the list of presumptive diseases are next going after peripheral neuropathy and other neurological diseases that are probably caused by exposure to Agent Orange. It doesn't help us but they seem to have more clout than we do. This is why we need to get H.R. 2254 passed, just as H.R.1428 needs to get passed. What the VA gives they can take away as we all well know.

I have chronic peripheral neuropathy, how do I find out more about what this parkinsons group can do?

James

OK, my name is James Cooper. Is there anything I can do to help?

James,
What the Parkinson's group has done is they have gotten the DVA to put Parkinson's Disease on the list of presumptive diseases; this doesn't apply to us only Boots on the Ground Vets. TLC and Blue Water Veterans aren't covered. They say that they are going to lobby for a change in the PN regs to include perminent and chronic PN which a lot of them have. Even if they do we still are not covered because we don't have Boots on the Ground. They only way we are ever going to be covered on any of these presumptive diseases is to get H.R. 2254 and its companion bill in the Senate passed and signed into law. That is the only way any of is going to get any justice.

Marcie,
Try asking your Congressman to get a letter Shinsicki,
Susie

Marcella wrote:anyone got Shinseki's email?????? The last letter that got sent to him I cc the president and BO sent it to the VA in Mtg....where I got a letter telling us we were denied. Does that stop me??????NOT ON YOUR LIFE! Anyway, If we could find a way to get a letter to the fine Secretary, I would sure love to send him one.

Marcie,

Here is the email address for Shinseki. I got it from the White House website.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/cabinet/


Department of Veterans Affairs
Secretary Eric K. Shinseki
http://www.va.gov

Later,
Cindy

Thanks All.

Hate to send another one to B. O., I might get put on a list! But it stirred them up in Montgomery.

I align myself with winners and so should you. HR 2254 is a absolute must for all of us to win over the DVA. I am Air Force (SAC) and i have been fighting this disease ever since my Honorable Discharge in 1970. This is all our fight and we will win. I wish my brothers in arms Fallowing Seas and clear sailing. God Bless all of You.......Later!