Are you a Vietnam Veteran?

Veteran & Family Services Office (VFSO)

Submission

Did you know there are other agents besides Agent Orange? They were referred to as rainbow agents: blue, white, pink, green, purple and orange. They were all herbicides of a different chemical mixtures.  Herbicides were used to defoliate any vegetation the enemy might use to hide. As a general rule, the agents were stored in a 55 gallon drum with a colored band around it. The color of the band indicated which of the rainbow herbicides it contained. Agent Orange was the most used herbicide. The United States used more than 11.7 million gallons between 1965-1970 alone. Agent Orange is best known because it contained a chemical called dioxin. As the Agent Orange was being sprayed, sometimes it would make direct contact on fighting men. It remained on the surfaces of whatever it touched. It could be absorbed by plants growing in soil, get into the water supply or ocean. The water was used for cooking, drinking and bathing. Agent Orange was absorbed by the seafood later eaten. Direct contact with the skin might cause symptoms to manifest quickly. Other health side effects may take decades to manifest.

There is a lot of talk about the Agent Orange Registry, but what is it? If you are concerned about your exposure or possible exposure to Agent Orange, then listen up. The registry is a VA Program that offers a free exam concerning potential health problems related to Agent Orange. They also look at the data collected to determine what new conditions may be added to the Agent Orange Presumptive List. Anything on the presumptive list means less burden on the veteran to prove exposure and how the medical condition relates to the exposure. If you are in one of the qualifying locations, then you are “presumed” exposed automatically. This includes veterans that were boots-down and those on Navy ships within 12 nautical miles of Vietnam. Qualifying locations are Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Guam/Samoa (and its waters) and Johnston Atoll.

The Agent Orange Presumptive List currently contains 17 medical conditions. If those conditions cause other conditions, you can also file for those as secondary conditions. This is because they were caused by the primary condition. If your service connected conditions get worse. It may be possible to file for increases. There are times when the VA will pay above 100%. If there is a surviving spouse of a veteran and one of the veteran’s service connected disabilities is listed on the death certificate (primary cause or long term health condition) then the surviving spouse may be eligible for a monthly benefit for the rest of their life.

If you have any questions, please contact our office and we can assist you with determining eligible conditions, filing claims and explaining your benefits.

Happy Independence Day from the VFSO Staff!

Contact:

Peer Specialist - US Army Darrell Whitman 520-610-2037

Peer Specialist- USMC Wesley Rhodes 520-610-4384

Veterans Service Officer –USMC Kim Skelton 520-562-5144