Health Care Coverage Expanded for Vietnam Veterans

The Department of Veterans Affairs recently announced it will expand its list of health problems presumed to be related to Agent Orange and herbicide exposures. This change means veterans who were exposed to herbicides during the Vietnam War should be able access disability compensation and health care treatment more easily.

Vietnam Veterans who served between January 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975 may have been exposed to herbicides. The decision to expand benefits comes on the heels of a 2008 study from the Institute of Medicine regarding health issues caused by Agent Orange and other herbicides.

Says Eric K. Shinseki, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, about the decision to expand coverage, "It was the right decision, and the President and I are proud to finally provide this group of Veterans the care and benefits they have long deserved."

The VA expects more than 150,000 veterans to apply for Agent Orange claims over the next 18 months.

For more information, refer to the Department of Veterans Affairs' Press Release: VA Health Care and Benefits Provided for Many Vietnam Veterans

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