Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki announced plans on March 9 to expedite the claims process for service-connected presumptive illnesses related to Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam War.Vietnam Veterans who have Parkinson's disease, ischemic heart disease, and B-cell leukemias will not have to prove an association between their medical problems and military service and are encouraged to submit disability claims. The VA expects about 200,000 Vietnam Veterans to file the compensation claims over the next two years.
AAPA is an original member of the Veterans Health Council, which was formed to educate veterans and health care professionals regarding the multiple health conditions associated with military service.Nearly 80% of veterans do not receive medical care from VA health facilities and may not know that their health conditions are related to military service, making them eligible for VA coverage of health care and other VA benefits. For further information, please contact Sandy Harding, AAPA Director of Federal Affairs, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
