A Few Shocking Truths about Veterans

War between countries is something that affects everyone. You may have a friend or relative that you know has been to the war fighting for our country.

Herbicidal War

1. Mental Health

Did you know that 10%to 18% of OEF/OIF troops are likeley to have PTSD after they return home? That is according to the National Center for PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). They further add that Some of the Veterans with mental health problems have not come in for services because of concern for being shown as weak, concerns about privacy, they don't believe treatment is effective and much more. Help is available at PTSD information Voice Mail (802) 296-6300, or ncptsd@va.gov.

The following video was taken by the soldiers in combat. This is also on the Discovery Channel. It just gives you an idea of what our Veterans went through in Afghanistan.

Taking Fire Episode 4- Overwatch

2. Sickness

According the Department of Veterans Affair as of October 30, 2010, eligible Vietnam-era Veterans exposed to herbicides and disabled by chronic b-cell, leukemia's, Parkinson's disease, Diabetes Mellitus (Type2) or ischemic heart disease, may begin receiving disability and health care benefits on approved claims. These are just a few of the diseases resulting from being exposed to Agent Orange. Veterans may do so by applying at the Veterans Administration's Fast Track Claims Processing System.

3. Agent Orange Exposure

Herbicides were sprayed in Vietnam between 1961 and 1971. The chemical is capable of damaging genes, resulting in deformities among offspring of exposed victims. So the chemical not only damaged our Veterans, but possibly caused damaged to their unborn children.

Note: This is where my husband was stationed during the Viet Nam War. Chu Lai

Did you know that these Veterans do not need to show that they were exposed to Agent Orange to receive the disability compensation for diseases associated with Agent Orange exposure. Veterans Administration has already recognized certain cancers and other health problems that military personnel incurred while in Vietnam.

American and Vietnam plaintiff's have filed numerous lawsuits in the United States courts seeking compensation for exposure to Agent Orange. Some lawsuits have accused chemical companies of war crimes for selling Agent Orange to the military.

4. Women Veterans

Women veterans can also receive health care services. At each Veterans Administration Medical Center nationwide, a Women Veterans Program Manager is available to assist women Veterans. Health services may include mental health, sexual abuse counseling, military sexual trauma, and much more.

5. Environmental Epidemiology Services

The Environmental Epidemiology Services Conducts ongoing research studies on the health of Veterans. It keeps database and registries of Veteran's exposures and health care utilization.

6. Honoring Veterans Today

There are those that are honoring veterans. On Veterans Day veterans have the opportunity to eat FREE at numerous restaurants. Veterans are also honored with parades, flag-folding ceremonies and much more. Iraq, Afghanistan, and World War veterans are honored also. It is just great to see the camaraderie not just in Michigan, but in numerous states. Although Veterans Day is highly recognized, there are homeless organizations that are ongoing to care for the homeless veterans. According to the National Coalition for theHomeless, 47% of Vietnam veterans are homeless  

7. Disability compensation benefits

Veterans exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam may be eligible for a monthly payment, a cost-free examination with no requirement for a co-payment. Veterans can expect a face-to-face consultation to discus the results and a follow-up letter.

To Contact Veterans Administration about benefits you can call the toll-free Helpline: 1-800-749-8387 Press 3

Agent Orange Registry Health Exam: 1-877-222-8387 (Ask to speak to the Environmental Health Coordinator or Patient Care Advocate)


Compensation and Other Benefits: 1-800-827-1000


To Go In person, Just click on site listed below to find an office near you.

United States Department of Veterans Affair

https://www.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp

Photo Caption: Commons, Wikimedia.org., Public Domain

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