Public Health

Agent Orange Newsletter - Summer 2015

| Download PDF version (2.51 MB, PDF) |

In this issue...

PTSD and Vietnam Veterans: A Lasting Issue 40 Years Later
In 1983, Congress requested that VA conduct a study on the prevalence of PTSD and other postwar psychological problems among Vietnam Veterans. This study was the National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Study (NVVRS). More recently, Congress requested that VA conduct a follow-up study among the participants of NVVRS, known as the National Vietnam Veterans Longitudinal Study (NVVLS). The NVVLS was completed in December 2013, and was the first study to measure the long-term health and mental health of Vietnam Veterans. Keep reading for key findings from this study.

Agent Orange and Type 2 Diabetes: Take Charge of Your Health!
Type 2 diabetes is common among older adults, including Vietnam Veterans. The Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences published a report “Veterans and Agent Orange: Herbicide/Dioxin Exposure and Type 2 Diabetes” in 2000. This report, and its 2002 and 2004 updates, found evidence of an association between exposure to herbicides and type 2 diabetes. This article describes several ways that you can reduce the impact of diabetes on your health.

The Fastest Way to Get a Disability Claim Decision
If you’re a Veteran who needs to file a disability compensation claim for the first time or you need to submit a new claim for a previous service-related condition, there is now a faster, easier way to get a claim decision. With the help of your local Veterans Service Officer, you can file an electronic claim, eClaim, through eBenefits and get a faster VA decision.

Enroll in VA's Agent Orange Registry
Were you exposed to Agent Orange during military service? If so, you may be at risk of certain cancers and other diseases that may be related to Agent Orange exposure. Schedule an Agent Orange registry exam at your local VA medical facility to help determine if your health problems are related to exposure during military service.

Have You Heard of Exposure Ed?
VA launched a new mobile app, Exposure Ed, to help health care providers better address Veterans' questions about the health effects of military exposures and exposure-related benefits and services. The app allows providers to quickly identify potential military exposures and associated health effects that can be discussed during a Veteran’s regular medical appointment, exposure assessment, or environmental registry evaluation. Read this article for more information about the Expsoure Ed mobile app.

Diseases Associated with Agent Orange
VA assumes that certain diseases can be related to a Veteran’s qualifying military service. These are known as “presumptive diseases.” VA has recognized certain cancers and other health problems as presumptive diseases associated with exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service. Veterans and their survivors may be eligible for benefits for the diseases listed in this article.

VA Continues to Study the Health of Vietnam Veterans
In the last 40 years, since the end of the Vietnam War, VA has learned a great deal about the health of Vietnam Veterans. Using research studies that look at the military exposures and health history of large numbers of Veterans, VA is able to learn about the effects of military service in Vietnam. Read on to learn more about the research being conducted by the VA on the health of Vietnam Veterans.

Agent Orange Exposure Locations
Exposure to Agent Orange is recognized by VA in the following locations listed in this article.

Subscribe to email updates about military exposures, including notices of published newsletters.

return to top