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.
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.
There are pending House and Senate bills working their way through Congress to expand the number of veteran's who were exposed to Agent Orange and other herbicides. A list of pending legislation is listed below.
Pending Agent Orange legislation for 116th Congress (2019-2020):
H.R.203 - Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019
To amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify presumptions relating to the exposure of certain veterans who served in the vicinity of the Republic of Vietnam, and for other purposes.
H.R.299 - Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 - PASSED June 25, 2019 now 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.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2020, 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)
VA is also now able to extend benefits to children with spina bifida whose BWN Veteran parent may have been exposed while serving.
H.R.326 - Victims of Agent Orange Relief Act of 2019
To direct the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide assistance for individuals affected by exposure to Agent Orange, and for other purposes.
H.R.566 - Agent Orange Exposure Fairness Act
To amend title 38, United States Code, to remove the manifestation period required for the presumptions of service connection for chloracne, porphyria cutanea tarda, and acute and subacute peripheral neuropathy associated with exposure to certain herbicide agents.
H. R. 637 - Lawrence J. Hackett Jr. Vietnam Veterans Agent Orange Fairness Act
To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a task force on Agent Orange exposure.
H.R.1482 - Expedite Agent Orange Coverage Act
To extend the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs regarding presumptions of service connection for diseases associated with exposure to herbicide agents, and for other purposes.
H.R.2201 - 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.
S.332 - Agent Orange Exposure Fairness Act of 2019
To amend title 38, United States Code, to remove the manifestation period required for the presumptions of service connection for chloracne, porphyria cutanea tarda, and acute and subacute peripheral neuropathy associated with exposure to certain herbicide agents, and for other purposes.
S.1195 - Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019
To amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify presumptions relating to the exposure of certain veterans who served in the vicinity of the Republic of Vietnam, and for other purposes.
S.1381 - 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.
To amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify presumptions relating to the exposure of certain veterans who served in the vicinity of the Republic of Vietnam, and for other purposes.
If you are a Vietnam Era Thailand Veteran that has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease due to toxic herbicide exposure (Agent Orange) please join the Facebook Operation Orange Envelope Group. This group of veterans and their families are dedicated in contacting their state and local representatives to support H.R. 2201 and S. 1381. On September 12th 6,000 letters were sent. Support Parkinson's Research and our Veterans by helping.
