Veteran Coverage for Agent Orange Exposure with Link to Heart Disease
For some background info on this issue review “Agent Orange and Heart Disease”.
New Coverage for Vets
On March 25, 2010, the Department of Veterans Affairs published a proposed regulation to establish ischemic heart disease as linked to Agent Orange exposure.
This meant until regulation becomes final, eligible Vietnam Veterans may receive disability compensation for these disease.
Controversy
Senator Jim Webb challenged the VA’s coverage of heart disease and two other illnesses proposed by legislation. It appears the root of Senator Webb’s objection stems from the long-term costs associated with expanding the list of covered disabilities to ischemic heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, and B-cell leukemia’s based on science that may not be strong enough to justify the change. Webb has been quoting as estimating the cost for the decision to cover these three additional conditions to be a minimum of $42.2 billion over the next 10 years.
How Many Veterans Covered
It’s difficult to estimate the number of Vietnam veterans that would benefit from these three additional diseases being added to the list of conditions covered in association with Agent Orange exposure. All claims are to be reviewed individually. Past Chairman of the government affairs for Vietnam Veterans states it won’t be likely Agent Orange will be determined the cause of heart disease for someone “who has smoked for 40 years and is morbidly obese. Common sense is going to have to prevail as well.”
I’d love to hear you thoughts. Please feel free to share them below.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
Heart Health Made Easy
http://www.hearthealthmadeeasy.com
I’ve been trying to keep up with the issue and reposting information I receive. My understanding at this point is that it’s a done deal except Webb’s “dog and pony show” September 23, which won’t change anything. Payments will commence in October unless Webb is able to stretch out his hearing for a long period. Not likely to happen.
My personal opinion is that Webb doesn’t “gee-haw” ( a southern expression) with the Obama administration. For the 84,000 Vietnam Veterans whose claims have been delayed, this will be a time of celebration and they will be overjoyed to stimulate the economy by spending a large portion of the $13 billion. Webb’s intention is to influence the Congressional races in the November election, by delaying the stimulus that might convince voters that the economy is getting better.
Bill