SERVICE OFFICER NEWS AND UPDATES
Index to Articles
- Weekly Newsletter- Oct. 16, 2007
- Weekly Newsletter- Oct. 9, 2007
- VA Foreign Medical Program - includes Dept. of Mexico (June '05)
- Healthcare for Vets in Panama (June '05)
- Agent Orange Exposure tied to CLL (March 19, 04)
- Free Medical Attention in Mexico for Service Connected Disabilities (Oct 20, '03)
Agent Orange exposure tied to CLL
Source: The American Legion HQ
WASHINGTON (Oct. 20, 2003) - Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or CLL, has
been
officially added to the list of diseases for which Vietnam War veterans
can
receive free-of-charge health care and disability compensation from the
Department of Veterans Affairs.
American Legion National Commander
John
Brieden praised VA's publishing of a final rule Thursday in the Federal
Register that codifies VA Secretary Anthony Principi's January
announcement
that the government will extend benefits to Vietnam veterans suffering
from CLL.
"The Institute of Medicine found a link between CLL and exposure to the
herbicide Agent Orange, and that finding is a sound basis on which to
award
just compensation and VA health care to Vietnam veterans suffering from
the
disease," Brieden said. "Secretary Principi did the right thing by
deciding
to award these benefits back in January.
"The government still must carry out a large-scale study of the health
and
herbicide exposures of Vietnam veterans. The American Legion and
Columbia
University broke ground with a joint study conducted in the 1980s and a
recent follow-up study. But the government must plan and fund a more
comprehensive study because, obviously, the health of many Vietnam
veterans
shows the long-lasting effects of their wartime experiences. Certain
veterans' illnesses are related to exposure to Agent Orange or to some
other
hazardous conditions of battle. By doing a study, the government can
determine what exactly is making them sick and grant them long-overdue
health care and disability compensation."
The 2.8 million-member American Legion is the nation's largest veterans
organization.
Veterans seeking more information about how to obtain benefits under
the new
regulation may call (800) 433-3318 to locate the nearest American
Legion
service officer.
Friday March 19, 2004
Source: David Lord, Dept. Service Officer
Medical treatment U.S. Veterans, No Cost
This is the best news for Veterans and their Dependants living in Mexico, or while here on visits each
year. All Service connected Disabled Veterans and their Dependants have the opportunity to use
medical benefits here in Mexico, with a selected number of Doctors that are specialist in all fields
of medicine. The need for a program allowing Treatment for those qualified by the V.A., eliminates
the trip to the U.S., and eliminates the waiting time for appointments at the V.A.( we have over
300,000 waiting up to one year ) for service connected medical attention.
I am Very Proud of the U.S. Consul for their Service to Veterans living in Mexico . John S. Tavenner,
Consul Chief -American Citizen Services, at the direction of Consul General Salmon has been
instrumental to this effort.
Kelly Trainor, our Consul Agent in Puerto Vallarta , has invited me to participate in the April 1st Medical Matters open Forum. I ask all Veterans who have medical needs to bring dd214, V.A. Card, or proof of U.S. Military Service.
Veterans wanting to file for Pension or Compensation will be afforded a sign up sheet for schedualed appointment where the particular need can be addressed in a confidential manner. Remember All Veterans qualify for a non-service connected pension, if 65 or older, have Low income , and more than 90 days of Military Service during a period of war. Peace time Veterans are qualified with 2 years of service.