The Department of Veterans Affairs has established a service-connection for Vietnam Veterans with three specific illnesses based on latest evidence of an association with the herbicide Agent Orange.

The illnesses affected by the recent decision are B cell leukemias, such as hairy cell leukemia; Parkinson’s disease; and ischemic heart disease. Between January 1965 and April 1970, an estimated 2.6 million military personnel who served in Vietnam were potentially exposed to Agent Orange.

Other illnesses previously recognized under VA’s “presumption” rule as being caused by exposure to herbicides during the Vietnam Ware are: Acute and Subacute Transient Peripheral Neuropathy; Chloracne; Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia; Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2); Hodgkin’s Disease; Multiple Myeloma; Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma; Porphyria Cutanea Tarda; Prostate Cancer; Respiratory Cancers and Soft Tissue Sarcoma.

Additional information about Agent Orange and VA’s services and programs for veterans exposed to the chemical are available at www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange.

Federal VA Regional Office

The VA Regional Office in Montgomery has a phone system that provides recorded benefit information to callers 24 hours a day seven days a week. Callers can obtain current information on the many VA benefit programs from several recorded messages.

System access instructions are available by calling the toll-free number 1 (800) 827-1000. Veterans Benefits counselors can also be reached through this system to answer questions during normal business hours.

Business and occupation license exemptions available for disabled veterans

Disabled resident veterans of Alabama who served on active duty in the U. S. Armed Forces when the United States was engaged in foreign hostilities and are disabled either from their service or non-service conditions may be exempt from small business and occupation license fees.

Contact the county licensing office to determine eligibility for this benefit.