Possible benefits for veterans of Vietnam with various cancers

Physical Health Cancer
1

A point of information that may prove valuable to veterans of the Vietnam or Gulf wars (U.S., I don't know about our allies):

http://www.nhlcyberfamily.org/veterans.htm

The above site will give you info about benefits that you may be eligible for as a result of your service. I applied some months ago as I spent 9 years in the Marines, including 15 months in Asia a long time ago. The Veterans Administration says that if you were ever on the ground in Vietnam (I don't know the regs for Gulf War 1) it is presumptive that you were exposed to Agent Orange. They further state that exposure to Agent Orange is presumptive as a compensable cause for lymphoma,

What this means is that if you were in Vietnam for even one day and now have or have had lymphoma along with many other cancers, see below), you are probably eligible for compensation. Please check it out and apply if eligible. The following is from the VA's benefits booklet:

Veterans Exposed to Agent Orange and Other Herbicides: A veteran who served in the Republic of Vietnam between Jan. 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, is presumed to have been exposed to Agent Orange and other herbicides used in support of military operations.

Eleven illnesses are presumed by VA to be service-connected for such veterans: chloracne or other acneform disease similar to chloracne, porphyria cutanea tarda, soft-tissue sarcoma (other than
osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Kaposi's sarcoma or mesothe-lioma), Hodgkin's disease, multiple myeloma, respiratory cancers (lung, bronchus, larynx, trachea), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, prostate cancer, acute and subacute peripheral neuropathy, diabetes mellitus
(Type 2) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

I think this is of particular importance to any vets who find themselves battling cancer with limited resources. This is a significant source of assistance to them, both medical and financial. Here is the official page link from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/benefit...cide/aono3.htm

Good health to all,

kermica

2

My father in law developed lung cancer several years ago. He was in the Korean war. During that time he was exposed to asbestos which was the cause of his cancer. He never smoked cigarettes. He got a settlement from a lawsuit related to this. Sadly though, he died May 30, 2006 because of the cancer. No amount of money replaces him. He is very much missed in our family. He was a very good man to everyone.

3

Bliudkiti,

So sorry for your loss, I know how painful it is to lose a loved one. The worst loss for me was my father, who was killed by a drunk driver in 1989, just 2 months after retiring to take care of my disabled mother. She also passed, peacefully, a couple of years ago.

A note to anyone thinking of following the VA trail, be aware that they are VERY slow to respond and even slower to make any decisions. I originally applied for benefits in April 2010 and, to date, have received two letters from them saying, basically, "we have received your claim and are reviewing it, thank you for your patience".

I think there are benefits for veterans who served in Vietnam but wouldn't suggest spending any money from your settlement til you have it in hand. (<:

Good health to all,

kermica

4

Thank you Kermica. I am so very sorry to hear about your dad and your mom. I am glad though that your mom had you there for her.

I don't know when my father in law joined in on that law suit nor how long it took for him to get a settlement but he did get one. Keep hanging in there. It will come. ((((hugs))))

5

Ross, is there a way to make this post "sticky" so it stays at or near top of list? The reason is that it is important for people who have cancer but inadequate insurance who served in Vietnam (or the first Gulf War) to become aware of the fact that, in addition to medical care, they may be eligible for financial compensation from the VA for their service.

There are 11 different diseases, including NHL and many other cancers, covered by the program so I would like to be sure people hear about it. I first read about the program on another website but thought we could also keep it prominent here.

Thanks,

kermica