Three years after a scientific body recommended that the
Department of Veterans Affairs consider adding three conditions -- bladder
cancer, hypothyroidism and Parkinson's-like symptoms -- to the list of
qualifying diseases tied to Agent Orange, affected veterans may soon find out
whether they are eligible for disability compensation and VA health care.
During a Senate Veterans Affairs hearing Tuesday on the VA
budget, Dr. Richard Stone, the executive in charge of the Veterans Health
Administration, said a decision on the three illnesses likely would come in the
next 90 days.
Responding to a question from Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio,
Stone said the VA is working "through this right now, and it would be my
hope" to have a decision within three months. He added that the recommendation
will go to VA Secretary Robert Wilkie for final approval.
"It's took this country far too long to come to terms
with Agent Orange," Brown said.
In March 2016, the National Academy of Medicine found
evidence that two conditions, bladder cancer and hypothyroidism, are likely
linked to Agent Orange exposure and that a third condition, Parkinson-like
symptoms, also should be included on the list of diseases presumed to be
related to contact with the herbicide.
The announcement brought hope to thousands of veterans
living with bladder cancer and thyroid problems, as well as those who have
essential tremors and other symptoms similar to Parkinson's, but who haven't
been diagnosed with the disease.
In late 2017, former VA Secretary Dr. David Shulkin said he
had made a decision on whether to add the three conditions to the list of 14
Agent Orange-related illnesses, but it was never announced.
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