If you are in an immediate crisis, please go to your nearest Emergency Room, or call 911, or call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) to talk to someone right now.
WASHINGTON -- Veterans Affairs officials added three new illnesses Tuesday to the list of diagnoses connected to Agent Orange, allowing quicker health care claims for Vietnam veterans suffering from Parkinson's disease, hairy cell leukemia, and ischemic heart disease.
The move follows a study by the nongovernmental Institute of Medicine. The group has been studying the effects of Agent Orange since the early 1990s and this summer suggested a link between those diseases and the toxic Agent Orange chemicals.
In a statement, VA secretary Eric Shinseki said the additions bring to 12 the number of "presumed" sicknesses linked to Agent Orange. Others include prostate cancer and Hodgkin's disease.
Veterans with those conditions will not have to prove any connection between their sickness and their military service when filing a health benefits claim. Read
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has immediate openings for volunteer drivers to transport veterans to medical appointments. Successful candidates must pass a medical exam, have a valid driver’s license, a safe driving record, and carry current auto insurance.
Through the Transportation Network, DAV volunteers drive sick and disabled veterans to and from VA medical facilities for treatment. The Transportation Network is a clear example of veterans helping veterans.
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VA Accepting GI Bill Applications
The Department of Veterans Affairs is now accepting and processing applications for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. You should complete and submit the application form available online and will receive a letter explaining VA’s decision regarding your eligibility for the program.
The application form requires that individuals currently eligible for benefits under the Montgomery GI BILL-Active Duty (MGIB-AD), Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) or the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) make an irrevocable election from their existing program to the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
For individuals eligible for MGIB-AD
Normally, your months of entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill will be equal to the number of months of entitlement you have remaining under the MGIB-AD. However, if you use all of your MGIB-AD benefits, then you may be entitled to a maximum of 12 additional months of benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
For individuals eligible for MGIB-SR and/or REAP
Normally, individuals who are eligible for more than one benefit may use a maximum combined total of 48 months of benefits.
For example: If you have used 20 months of benefits under REAP, you may be eligible for 28 months of benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Payments for Post-9/11 GI Bill will not be processed until August 1, 2009.
GI Bill Home or call 1-888-GIBILL1 (1-888-442-4551).
Many veterans don’t realize they may actually be better off to use up their MGIB before applying for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
FORT MYER, Va. - The UH-1 Iroquois helicopter was officially retired in a ceremony held here, by the Army National Guard, ending a service life of more than 50 years to the Army and close to 40 years in the Army Guard. Huey
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