Vietnam Vets Agent Orange Claims Deadline Tomorrow

File photo.

By Sonia Isotov

An important due date is approaching tomorrow for those who have medical diagnoses for three presumptive conditions related to exposure to Agent Orange.

The US Department of Veterans Affairs says eligible veterans have until tomorrow, August 30, 2011 to file their disability claims order to qualify for up to one year of retroactive benefits.

Veterans can file for disability claims online at VA’s Agent Orange Fast Track Claims Processing System. Veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam or in-land waterways between January 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975 may use this website to apply for disability benefits for these conditions.

The US Department of Veterans Affairs refers to presumptive diseases as certain cancers and other health problems related to exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service.

The three new presumptive diseases are: Ischemic heart disease, hairy cell and other B-cell leukemia, and Parkinson’s disease.

Widows and widowers whose spouses have died from Agent Orange presumptive conditions may also qualify for retroactive benefits and are encouraged to file for dependent indemnity compensation by August 30.