newsletter winter2012

7/29/2019 Newsletter Winter2012

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Agent Orange Review

Agent Orange ReviewINFORMATION FOR VETERANS Vol. 26 No. 1 WINTER 20

VA Expands Dates o Agent Orange Exposure in Korearom 1968-1969 to 1968-1971

FEATURES

Blue Water Navy Veterans ................................. 2

Presumptions Available to Veteranswith Agent Orange Exposure ............................. 3

Presumptions Available to Children of

Vietnam and of Korean DMZ Veterans ............. 3

Presumption Available to AllVietnam Veterans................................................ 4Presumption Available to All Veterans ............ 4

Check VAs Ships List....................................... 5

VA Studies High Blood Pressure, Chronic LungDisease Among Vietnam Veterans .................... 6

Institute of Medicine Issues Latest Report onVeterans and Agent Orange ............................... 7

Agent Orange Registry Health Evaluation........ 7New Hotline for Homeless Veterans ................. 8

Check Out New Feature on VAs MilitaryExposures Website........................................... 10Service in Camp Lejeune?............................... 10

Veterans who servedalong the demilitarizedzone (DMZ) in Koreaduring the Vietnam Warnow have an easier pathto access health care andbenets. The Departmentof Veterans Affairs (VA)

expanded the dates whenillnesses associated withexposure to Agent Orange can be presumed related totheir military service.

Previously, VA recognized exposure for servicebetween April 1968 and July 1969. VA now presumesexposure for service between April 1, 1968, and August31, 1971, if a Veteran served in a unit determined byVA and the Department of Defense to have operatedin an area of the DMZ where Agent Orange or otherherbicides were applied. The expanded dates tookeffect on February 24, 2011 (seewww.publichealth.

va.gov/exposures/agentorange/korea.asp).This presumption simplies and speeds the

application process for Veterans of the Korean DMZ.VA encourages Veterans who believe they havehealth problems related to Agent Orange to submittheir applications for VA health care and disabilitycompensation benets.

To apply for health care benets, apply onlineat www.1010ez.med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez,or contact the nearest VA health care facility at1-877-222-VETS (8387).

To le a claim for disability benets, apply onlineat www.ebenets.va.gov, or contact the nearestVA regional ofce at 1-800-827-1000.

Veterans who served along the Korean DMZ mayalso be eligible for a free Agent Orange Registry healthevaluation (see page 7).

The regulation expanding the dates for eligibleservice in Korea is available on the Ofce of theFederal Register website atwww.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=VA-2009-VBA-0021-0007.

1www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange
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2/12www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange

Also in this Issue

Understanding Heart Disease and How toReduce Your Risk....................................................4Are You or a Fellow Veteran in Crisis? ................5

Do You Need Help to Quit Smoking......................5Million Veteran Program SeeksVolunteers ...............................................................6

Agent Orange Registry Statistics ....................... 7How to Apply for VA Benets ............................ 8Connect to VA Caregiver Support ..................... 8Where to Get Help and Information ................. 9Address Changes ................................................ 11

About the Agent Orange Review

VAs Ofce of Public Health publishes the Agent Orange Review to provide information on AgentOrange and related matters to Veterans, their families, and others with concerns about herbicides

used in Vietnam or other locations.This is the 49th Agent Orange Review that VA has published. This issue was completed inwinter 2012 and does not include developments that occurred after that time. For past issues of thenewsletter and other information, please visit our website atwww.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange.

Questions, comments, and suggestions for future issues and topics are encouraged and can be sentto Editor, Agent Orange Review, Ofce of Public Health (10P3), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, D.C. 20420.

Blue Water Navy Veterans and

Agent OrangeThe National

Academy of SciencesInstitute of Medicine(IOM) released itsreport Blue WaterNavy VietnamVeterans and Agent

Orange Exposure inMay 2011. The reportconcluded that there

was not enough information for the IOM to determinewhether Blue Water Navy personnel were or were notexposed to Agent Orange.

The IOM is an independent, nonprotorganization that provides unbiased andevidencebased recommendations to the governmentand other health and science policy makers. VAconsiders the IOM report ndings in the presumptivedisability decisionmaking process.

VA presumes that Veterans who served on theground or on inland waterways in Vietnam (BrownWater Navy) were exposed to Agent Orange. VAhas not granted this presumption to Blue WaterNavy Veterans, who served on open sea ships off theshore of Vietnam. To be presumed exposed, BlueWater Veterans must show they set foot on the landof Vietnam or served on its inland waterways anytime between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975. VAdecides claims from Blue Water Veterans on a case

bycase basis.For more information on Blue Water Navy,

including the IOM report, go towww.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/

agentorange/bluewaterveterans.asp.

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3/12Agent Orange Review

Presumptions Available to Veterans with Agent Orange Exposurewww.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/diseases.asp

Veterans may be eligible for disabilitycompensation and health care benets for diseasesthat VA has recognized as associated with exposureto Agent Orange and other herbicides. Survivingspouses, children and dependent parents of Veteranswho were exposed to Agent Orange and died as the

result of diseases associated with Agent Orange maybe eligible for survivors benets.

AL AmyloidosisA rare disease caused when an abnormalprotein, amyloid, enters tissues or organs.

Chronic B-cell Leukemias (added October 30,2010)A type of cancer which affects white blood cells.

Chloracne (or similar acneform disease)A skin condition that occurs soon after exposure

to chemicals and looks like common forms of acneseen in teenagers. Under VAs rating regulations,chloracne (or other acneform disease similar tochloracne) must be at least 10 percent disablingwithin one year of exposure to herbicides.

Diabetes Mellitus Type 2A disease characterized by high blood sugarlevels resulting from the bodys inability torespond properly to the hormone insulin.

Hodgkins DiseaseA malignant lymphoma (cancer) characterized

by progressive enlargement of the lymph nodes,liver, and spleen, and by progressive anemia.

Ischemic Heart Disease (added October 30, 2010)A disease characterized by a reduced supply ofblood to the heart that leads to chest pain.

Multiple MyelomaA cancer of plasma cells, a type of white bloodcell in bone marrow.

Non-Hodgkins LymphomaA group of cancers that affect the lymph glands

and other lymphatic tissue. Parkinsons Disease (added October 30, 2010)

A progressive disorder of the nervous systemthat affects muscle movement.

Peripheral Neuropathy, Acute and SubacuteA nervous system condition that causesnumbness, tingling, and motor weakness.Currently it must be at least 10 percent disablingwithin one year of exposure to herbicides. VAproposed on August 10, 2012, to replace acute

and subacute with earlyonset and eliminatthe requirement that symptoms resolve withintwo years.

Porphyria Cutanea TardaA disorder characterized by liver dysfunctionand by thinning and blistering of the skinin sunexposed areas. Under VAs ratingregulations, it must be at least 10 percentdisabling within one year of exposure toherbicides.

Prostate CancerCancer of the prostate; one of the most commocancers among men.

Respiratory CancersCancers of the lung, larynx, trachea, andbronchus.

Soft Tissue Sarcomas (other thanosteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Kaposissarcoma, or mesothelioma)A group of different types of cancers in bodytissues such as muscle, fat, blood and lymphvessels, and connective tissues.

Presumptions Available to

Children o Vietnam and o

Korean DMZ Veterans

www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorangbirth_defects.asp

VA presumes that certain birth defects in childrenof Vietnamera Veterans are associated with Veteranqualifying military service:

Spina bida (except spina bida occulta), abirth defect that occurs when the spine fails toclose properly during pregnancy, is associatedwith Veterans exposure to Agent Orange or other

herbicides during qualifying service in Vietnam Korea.

At least 18 birth defects in children of womenVeterans are linked to the mothers militaryservice in Vietnam, but are not related toherbicide exposure. Some examples includecleft lip or palate, congenital heart defects, andhypospadias.

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Presumption Available to All

Vietnam Veterans

www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/conditions/nonhodgkinslymphoma.asp

VA presumes service connection for nonHodgkinsLymphoma occurring in Veterans who served inVietnam as well as Blue Water Veterans who served

on its offshore waters; these Veterans do not needto prove a connection between their disease andmilitary service to be eligible to receive VA disabilitycompensation.

Presumption Available to All

Veterans

www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/compensation.asp

VA presumes that Lou Gehrigs Disease(amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS) diagnosed ina Veteran from any era is related to their military

service, as long as they served on active duty for atleast 90 continuous days.

Understanding Heart Disease and How to Reduce Your Risk

Ischemic heartdisease is also known ascoronary artery diseaseor hardening of thearteries. Cholesterolplaque can build up inthe arteries of the heartand cause ischemia,

which means the heart is not getting enough bloodow and oxygen. If the plaque blocks an artery, a heartattack can result.

Heart disease is the #1 killer of men and

women in the U.S. Up to 90 percent of heartattacks are due to the following risk factors:

SmokingHigh cholesterolHigh blood pressureDiabetesAbdominal obesity (spare tire)Not eating enough fruits and vegetablesNot being active/lack of exerciseDrinking too much alcoholStress

The good news is that you can do somethingabout these risk factors and lower your risk ofheart disease and heart attack:

Get moving walk/exercise at least 30 minutes aday

Eat better consume at least 5 fruits/veggies aday and 2 servings of sh a week

Stop bad habits get help to quit smoking ordrinking too much

Shed excess weight lose even a few pounds andyou will start to reap health benetsVA presumes ischemic heart disease is associated

with exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides,regardless of other major risk factors that a Veteranmay have. Veterans exposed to herbicides do nothave to prove a connection between their heartdisease and military service to be eligible fordisability compensation, but the diagnosis must beischemic heart disease.

Talk to your doctor to learn more aboutpreventing or treating heart disease. You can also

check out VAs prevention website for more tips onliving healthier at www.prevention.va.gov .

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Are You or a Fellow Veteran in

Crisis? Make the Call:

1800273TALK

The Veterans Crisis Line provides confidentialhelp for Veterans and their families. VA startedthis nationwide suicide prevention hotline togive Veterans who need help free access to caring

counselors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days ayear. Since its launch in 2007, the Veterans CrisisLine has answered more than half a million calls andmade more than 21,000 lifesaving rescues. In 2009,VA added an anonymous online chat that has sincehelped thousands of Veterans and family members.

Veterans and their loved ones now have threedifferent ways to get help:

Phone: talk with a counselor by calling1-800-273-TALK(8255), and press 1.

Text: send a text message to 838255. Online: chat live 1on1 with a counselor atwww.

veteranscrisisline.net.

Self-Check Quiz: Answer some questions onlineto see if you might benet from services atwww.veteranscrisisline.net. (At any point you can connectlive with a counselor.)

Do You Need Help to Quit

Smoking or Quit Using Other

Forms o Tobacco?

VA has partnered withthe Department of Defensto make an online resourcQuit Tobacco. Make Everyon

Proud, available to Veteranenrolled in VA health care. This website providestoolssuch as quit plans, savings calculators, and 24live chatto help Veterans and service members quittobacco (www.ucanquit2.org). From the homepageVeterans who receive their health care in VA canaccess information tailored just for them by clickingon the section VA Veterans.

VA is committed to helping Veterans quit smokiand prevent smokingrelated diseases. VA offers frecounseling to every Veteran through their primarycare provider and through smoking cessation clinics.

VA also provides medicines that have been proven tohelp people quit. Quitting smoking is not easy, but VAcan help. See your primary care provider today to gehelp quitting. You can do it!

For more information on quitting smoking ortobacco, see www.publichealth.va.gov/smoking orcall 1-877-222-8387.

Check VAs Ships List

VA maintains a list of U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships that operated in Vietnam during the war and couldhave been exposed to Agent Orange. Exposure is presumed for any Veteran with duty or visitation withinthe country of Vietnam or on its inland waterways. Veterans who served aboard a listed ship that operatedon Vietnams inland waterways will automatically receive the presumption of exposure. Veterans whoserved aboard open sea ships that did not enter inland waterways will only be presumed exposed if the shipdocked to shore, sent small boats ashore, or otherwise sent crew members ashore. The Veteran must furtherprovide a statement of personally going ashore. VA adds ships to this list after conrming service on inland

waterways based on military records. As of press time, there were more than 200 ships on the list. To lookup your ship, go to www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/shiplist.

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VA Studies High Blood Pressure, Chronic Lung Disease Among

Vietnam Veterans

VA researchers are studying U.S. Army ChemicalCorps (ACC) Veterans who handled or sprayedherbicides in Vietnam to nd out if they havehigher rates of high blood pressure (hypertension)or lung disease than other Veterans. For lungdisease, researchers will look at chronic obstructivepulmonary disease (COPD), which includesemphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Researchers are asking about 4,000 Veteranswho served in the ACC during the Vietnam era(19641975) to participate. The study will compareACC Veterans who served in Vietnam with thosewho did not. ACC personnel represent the largestgroup of Vietnamera Veterans who had the greatestpotential exposure to herbicides.

How this research helps Veterans: The studywill help VA understand the relationship between

herbicide exposure in Vietnam and a Veterans risk ofdeveloping high blood pressure or COPD.Background: VA researchers have been following

this group of ACC Veterans since the 1990s. An earlierstudy found that those who sprayed Agent Orange

or other herbicides were more likely to selfreporthaving high blood pressure. Based on this andother studies, a 2008 Institute of Medicine (IOM)report added high blood pressure to the category oflimited or suggestive evidence of an association,meaning there could be a link with Agent Orangeexposure, although only some of the studies showthis. Researchers also noted a possible associationbetween Veterans who reported spraying herbicidesin Vietnam and those who had respiratory problemssuch as COPD.

Study Methods: VA is contacting ACC Veteransto ask if their physician has diagnosed them withhigh blood pressure or COPD. Researchers arealso reviewing medical records and will measurethe blood pressure and lung function of a smallersample of these Veterans. Researchers cannot

accept volunteers, but encourage Veterans who arecontacted to participate.To learn more about this latest study, go to

www.publichealth.va.gov/epidemiology/studies/vietnam-army-chemical-corps.asp.

Million Veteran Program Seeks Volunteers

Why do some Veterans get diabetes, cancer, orposttraumatic stress disorder and others do not?The answer could be in their genes.

VA launched the Million Veteran Program (MVP)to study how heredity (genetics) affects health andillness. To do this, MVP will build one of the worldslargest databases with blood samples and medicalhistories from one million Veteran volunteers whosign up over the next 5 to 6 years. The data will bestored anonymously to ensure privacy and will beused to study chronic diseases and militaryrelatedillnesses. The results may lead to new ways of

preventing and treating these conditions in Veterans.

Veterans can sign up at any of the 40 participatingVA medical centers across the country. To learnmore, please call 1-866-441-6075 or visithttp://www.research.va.gov/mvp.

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Agent Orange Review 7

Institute o Medicine Issues Latest Report on Veterans and Agent Orang

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) released its latestreport, Veterans and Agent Orange: Update 2010, onSeptember 29, 2010. This is the eighth IOM report toreview the latest scientic evidence on health effectsof exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicidesused during the Vietnam War.

The report looked at studies of Veterans, industrial

workers, and others exposed to dioxins or herbicides,as well as animal studies. Three new health outcomeswere studied hearing loss, eye problems, andosteoporosis. None were found to have enoughevidence to show an association with Agent Orange.

Peripheral neuropathy, a condition where damageto nerves can cause numbness, tingling, or muscleweakness, remained in the category of limited orsuggestive evidence for an association with AgentOrange exposure. However, the IOM noted new

evidence showing that symptoms can persist longerthan 2 years and do not always go away over time.

Veterans and Agent Orange: Update 2010 andearlier IOM reports can be read or downloaded free awww.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentoranginstitute-of-medicine.asp. The next IOM report onVeterans and Agent Orange is expected to be release

in January 2014.VA has recognized certain cancers and otherhealth problems as presumptive diseases associatewith exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicidesduring military service. Presumptive diseases arethose that VA assumes can be related to a Veteransmilitary service. Veterans and their survivors maybe eligible for disability compensation or survivors'benets. For the current list, please see page 3 or viour website atwww.publichealth.va.gov/exposureagentorange/diseases.asp.

Agent Orange Registry Health Evaluation or Eligible

Veterans - Including Korea

VA started the Agent Orange Registry programin 1978 to respond to the health concerns of VietnamVeterans. VA offers this evaluation to eligibleVeterans free of charge. Veterans do not need to beenrolled in VA health care to get a registry evaluation.

What does a registry evaluation provide?

A free, specialized health evaluation that includesa medical and military service history, and mayinclude a physical exam and other evaluation asneeded

Answers to questions about environmentalexposures

Information about VA health care and otherbenets

Who is eligible for an Agent Orange registry

evaluation? Vietnam Veterans

Korean demilitarized zone (DMZ) Veterans

Veterans from certain locations in Thailand

Veterans from other locations who were exposedduring the spraying, testing, or transport ofherbicides for military purposes

How do I get an appointment for a registryevaluation?

Talk to an Environmental Health Coordinatorat any VA medical facility. Call 1-877-222-VETS (8387) to nd the closest facility or visitwww.va.gov/directory.

Find contact information for EnvironmentalHealth Coordinators online atwww.publichealtva.gov/exposures/coordinators.asp.

NOTE: A registry evaluation is not a

disability compensation exam. A Veteran can

le a claim for VA benets without having had a

registry evaluation.

How many Veterans have received an Agent

Orange registry evaluation?

Initial evaluations 573,088

Follow-up evaluations 65,758

Total (initial + follow-up) 638,846

(as of September 30, 2012)

For more information about the registryevaluation, seewww.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/registry.asp.
http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/institute-of-medicine.asphttp://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/institute-of-medicine.asphttp://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/diseases.asphttp://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/diseases.asphttp://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/diseases.asphttp://www.va.gov/directoryhttp://www.va.gov/directoryhttp://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/coordinators.asphttp://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/coordinators.asphttp://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/coordinators.asphttp://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/coordinators.asphttp://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/registry.asphttp://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/registry.asphttp://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/registry.asphttp://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/coordinators.asphttp://www.va.gov/directoryhttp://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/diseases.asphttp://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/diseases.asphttp://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/institute-of-medicine.asphttp://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/institute-of-medicine.asphttp://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/registry.asphttp://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/registry.asphttp://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/coordinators.asp



New Hotline or Homeless

Veterans: 18774AID VET

VAs National Call Center for Homeless Veteranslaunched a telephone hotline to provide supportfor homeless and atrisk Veterans. VA counselorsanswer the 1-877-4AID VET (1-877-424-3838)hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Callersare linked directly to VA Homeless Program staff

at VA medical centers across the country. Familymembers, workers at community agencies, and nonVA providers also may call the hotline to learn aboutthe many programs and services available to helphomeless and atrisk Veterans within the VA and theircommunities.

The homeless hotline is just one part of VAsHomeless Veterans Initiatives to prevent and endhomelessness among Veterans. VA wants to makesure that all Veterans have access to the resources andsupport they have earned. For additional information,

go to www.va.gov/homeless.

How to Apply or VA Benefts

Veterans can apply for health care benetsonline (www.1010ez.med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez ),or contact their nearest VA health care facility at1-877-222-VETS (8387).

Veterans with serviceconnected illnesses orinjuries may be eligible for monthly payments calleddisability compensation. The disability must have

occurred or worsened during active military service.In addition, the Veteran must have been separatedor discharged under conditions that were other thandishonorable. Information on monthly compensationamounts is available at www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Rates/index.htm.

Veterans can le for compensation benetsonline at www.ebenets.va.gov, or contact theirnearest VA regional ofce at 1-800-827-1000.

Connect to VA Caregiver Support: 18552603274

If you are a family member taking care of a

Veteran, VA knows your focus is to take care of yourloved one. It can be an incredibly demanding job, andVA wants you to know you do not have to do it alone.VA makes it easier to nd support with the new VACaregiver Support Line. Caring professionals will tell

you about help that is available to you or the Veteran,and can connect you to the Caregiver SupportCoordinator at your nearest VA medical center. TheCoordinator will match you with services available in

your area, or they will just listen, if that is the supportyou need right now.

Help is just a quick phone call away. Reach the VA

Caregiver Support Line by calling 1-855-260-3274.Hours: MondayFriday 8 a.m.11 p.m. ET, andSaturday 10:30 a.m.6 p.m. ET.

Learn more about the variety of services VA offersby visiting the new VA Caregiver Support website atwww.caregiver.va.gov.

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Where to Get Help and Inormation

1-800-749-8387

www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange

1-800-827-1000

1-877-222-8387www.va.gov/directory

If you are concerned about Agent Orangeexposure: Contact the nearest VA medical centerto request an Agent Orange registry evaluation andget your questions answered. You can nd the VAmedical center nearest you by calling 1-877-222-VETS(8387) or visiting www.va.gov/directory.

If you are a Vietnam Veteran and need medicaltreatment for conditions that may be relatedto Agent Orange: Contact the nearest VA medical

center for eligibility information. You can nd thenearest VA medical center at www.va.gov/directoryor call tollfree 1-877-749-8387.

If you need help resolving a problem related toyour medical care: Contact the patient advocate orpatient representative at that facility for assistance.Ask the VA medical center telephone operator for thepatient advocate or patient representative.

Veterans with difcult-to-diagnose illnesses orother deployment health concerns: VA has the WarRelated Illness and Injury Study Center (WRIISC) withthree locations to help Veterans who have difcultto

diagnose illnesses or other deployment healthconcerns that require special expertise. A VA primaryprovider can refer a Veteran to a WRIISC.

For further questions:

Visitwww.warrelatedillness.va.gov or

Call the National Referral Program Coordinator atthe WRIISC nearest you:

WRIISCCalifornia:1-888-482-4376

WRIISCDistrict of Columbia:1-800-722-8340

WRIISCNew Jersey:1-800-248-8005

Vietnam-era Veterans with children whohave spina bifida: Contact VAs national hotlineat 1-888-820-1756, or the nearest VA regional ofceby calling 1-800-827-1000. Additional informationabout spina bida is available from the Spina BifidaAssociation of America at 4590 MacArthur Blvd, NWSuite 250, Washington, DC 20007, by calling

1-800-621-3141, or by email [email protected]. The website is

www.sbaa.org .Vietnam-era Women Veterans with children

who have birth defects: Contact VAs nationalhotline at 1-888-820-1756, or the nearest VA regionofce by calling 1-800-827-1000.

For disability information: Contact a VAVeteran Service Representative at the nearest VAregional ofce or health care facility to talk with acounselor and apply for disability compensation. VAdisability counselors have information about thewide range of benet programs that VA offers. Thenational number is 1-800-827-1000.

To start a disability claim online: Go tohttp:/www.ebenets.va.gov. You also can get informatioabout disability compensation from VAs SpecialIssues Helpline at 1-800-749-8387.

Support from Veterans Service OrganizationsMany Veterans have been helped by Veterans ServicOrganizations, including Vietnam Veterans who areseeking benets they earned through their service.VA does not endorse or recommend any specicgroup. State and County Veteran Service Ofcers aralso good resources for Vietnam and other Veterans

For additional benets information, see VAsFederal Benets for Veterans, Dependents andSurvivors booklet. This booklet is updated every

year to reect changes in law and policies and can bdownloaded free atwww.va.gov/opa/publicationsbenets_book.asp. It may be purchased from theU.S. Government Printing Ofce at their website(bookstore.gpo.gov) or by mail:U.S. Government Printing Ofce Superintendent ofDocuments Washington, DC 20402.

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Check Out New Feature on VAs

Military Exposures Website

Veterans and the public can quickly search formilitary exposure topics on VAs newly designedMilitary Exposures websitewww.publichealth.va.gov/exposures.

The userfriendly 4 Ways to Find Exposuresserves as a virtual compass to point visitors to

information on a range of chemical, physical andenvironmental hazards during military service.Visitors can search by: related health concerns, warsand operations, exposure categories, and exposuretopics A to Z. From the same page, visitors canget to information on VA health care, disabilitycompensation, and registry evaluations. Other newnavigation tools make it even easier for Veterans andothers to nd their way around the website and seekout information that is important to them.

Service in Camp Lejeune?

Before this issue went to press, the Presidentsigned Public Law 112154, which requires VA toprovide health care to Veterans and eligible familymembers for one or more of 15 specied illnessesor conditions. To be eligible for care, the Veteranor family member must have served on active dutyor resided in Camp Lejeune (North Carolina) for not

fewer than 30 days between January 1, 1957, andDecember 31, 1987. For more information, visitwww.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/camp-lejeune/.

SUBSCRIBE TO WEB UPDATES ON AGENT ORANGE:www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange.

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Do you know a Vietnam Veteran who does not receive the Agent Orange Review? Do you know a Gulf War Veteran who does not receive the Gulf War Review?Do you know an OEF OIF Veteran who does not receive the OEF OIF Review? Do you know an Atomic Veteran or other Veteran exposed to ionizing radiation during militaryservice who does not receive the Ionizing Radiation Review?Maybe it is you!

If you or a fellow Veteran want to read one of the Reviews on line, go towww.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/resources.asp. All of the publications may be found there.

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Agent Orange Review

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12/12

Department ofVeterans Affairs

Agent Orange ReviewINFORMATION FOR VETERANS

WHO SERVED IN VIETNAM

WINTER 2012Agent Orange Review

AITC (32B)

1615 Woodward Street

Austin, TX 78772-0001

OFFICIAL BUSINESS