The recently approved National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 includes three new Agent Orange presumptive illnesses for Vietnam veterans.

Agent Orange is a chemical that was used during the Vietnam War. Many of our veterans have suffered serious illness and death because of the effects of exposure to this deadly toxin.

Before the passing of this new bill, the VA recognized 14 presumptive illnesses that a veteran could receive service-connected disability compensation for. Now the VA will add Parkinsonism, bladder cancer and hypothyroidism as Agent Orange presumptive illnesses for Vietnam veterans.

Veterans with Parkinsonism, bladder cancer or hypothyroidism who have previously applied for VA disability compensation and were denied should contact our office and discuss reapplying. Any veteran who was exposed to Agent Orange and diagnosed with any of these presumptive illnesses should call our office to discuss the possibility of filing a claim for disability compensation.

If you think you may have been exposed to Agent Orange and have been diagnosed will an illness, please contact us. There are several presumptive illnesses listed for Vietnam veterans and Gulf War veterans. If you would like a copy of the list, contact our office.

If you suffered an injury not related to Agent Orange, while in the service, please contact us to discuss filing a disability compensation claim.

If you are a widow/widower of a wartime veteran, you may qualify for survivor benefits based on your income and medical expenses. Our office will discuss the requirements for filing a claim.

Our phone number is 906-774-2820. We are located in the YMCA building at 800 Crystal Lake Blvd. in Iron Mountain. We will do a home visit if a veteran is unable to attend an appointment in our office.

We are here to serve the veterans of Dickinson County. Our motto is “Where Every Day is Veterans Day.”‘

Like us on Facebook at Dickinson County Office of Veteran Affairs.

Be sure to thank your local Veterans Service Organizations who advocate in Washington, D.C., for all veterans to receive the care and benefits for which they are entitled. Support these organizations by becoming a member, giving of your time, experience and finance help.

Happy New Year and God bless America.