Georgetown Area Parkinson's Support Group - GAPS
  • Georgetown Area Parkinson's Support Group - GAPS
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  • Georgetown Area Parkinson's Support Group - GAPS
    • GAPS - Our Mission
    • GAPS Contact Info
  • GAPS Groups
    • GAPS General Meetings
    • GAPS Caregiver Support Group
    • GADS - Georgetown Area Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Support Group
    • GAPS Newly Diagnosed Support Group
  • Parkinson's Upcoming Events & Announcements
  • GAPS Calendar
  • Parkinson's Exercise Opportunities
    • About GAPS Exercise Instructors
  • GAPS Webinars
  • GAPS Newsletters
  • Understanding Parkinson's
    • Parkinson's Education
    • Parkinson's Signs & Symptoms >
      • Tracking Your Parkinson's Symptoms
    • YOUNG-Onset Parkinson's
    • ATYPICAL Parkinsonism >
      • Lewy Body Dementia
      • PSP, CBD, MSA
  • Parkinson's Treatments
    • Movement Disorder Specailists
    • Parkinson's Medications
    • Physical/Occupational Therapies
    • Deep Brain Stimulation
    • Parkinson's Research and Clinical Trials
  • Parkinson's & Veterans
    • Parkinson's and Agent Orange
    • Veterans Benefits
  • Getting Help & Info
    • Parkinson's Organizations and Foundations
    • Health Care Financial Assistance
    • Caregiver & Respite Resources
    • Health and Safety Services
    • Home Care Services
    • Local Support Groups
  Georgetown Area Parkinson's Support Group - GAPS

Parkinson's and Agent Orange




​​Agent Orange is a herbicide and defoliant chemical.  It is widely known for its use by the U.S. military as part of its herbicidal warfare program.  The Veterans Administration has recognized that certain cancers, diseases, and other health problems can be related to a Veteran's qualifying military service. These are called "presumptive diseases."  Parkinson's Disease is considered a presumptive disease.

Veterans with Parkinson’s disease who were exposed to herbicides during military service may be eligible for disability compensation and health care. Learn about VA specialty care for Parkinson's disease.

Veterans who served in Vietnam, Thailand, the Korean demilitarized zone or another area where Agent Orange was sprayed may be eligible for a free Agent Orange registry health exam.
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Surviving spouses, dependent children and dependent parents of Veterans who were exposed to herbicides during military service and died as the result of Parkinson's disease may be eligible for survivors' benefits.

Long-term exposure to herbicides increases your risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD), which causes stiffness, shaking, and walking challenges. PD symptoms can also affect the teeth, mouth, and jaw. For example, the inability to control the body makes it difficult to receive dental treatment and brush your teeth. This can result in poor oral hygiene, gum disease, and cavities. Lastly, veterans with PD are more likely to grind their teeth, which can cause thin enamel, and tooth cracks which increases your risk for cavities.  Click here for more info on Veteran's dental health.

H.R299 Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 passed in Jun of 2019 as Public Law No 116-23.  The Blue Water Navy (BWN) Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 (PL 116-23) extended the presumption of herbicide exposure, such as Agent Orange, to Veterans who served in the offshore waters of the Republic of Vietnam between Jan. 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975.

Veterans who served as far as 12 nautical miles from the shore of Vietnam, or who had service in the Korean Demilitarized Zone, are presumed to have been exposed to herbicides, such as Agent Orange, and may be entitled to service connection for any of the 14 conditions related to herbicide exposure. (This includes Parkinson's Disease)
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Pending Agent Orange legislation for 117th Congress (2021-2022):

S.657 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)
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A bill to modify the presumption of service connection for veterans who were exposed to herbicide agents while serving in the Armed Forces in Thailand during the Vietnam era, and for other purposes.

 H.R.2269 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)
A bill t
o modify the presumption of service connection for veterans who were exposed to herbicide agents while serving in the Armed Forces in Thailand during the Vietnam era, and for other purposes.


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