VA Delays Decision to Expand Agent Orange Benefit

Dec 11,2017

The VA has delayed making a key decision to expand the list of diseases linked to Agent Orange. Once again this decision delays benefits for veterans suffering from its effects.

In March 2016, the National Academy of Medicine reported that Agent Orange exposure might be linked to higher rates of bladder cancer and hypothyroidism. They also confirmed its link to hypertension, stroke and other neurological diseases.

VA Delays Agent Orange Decision Indefinitely

Despite having this information for nearly two years now, the VA has yet to make a decision. Officials have set numerous deadlines by which the review of the National Academy of Medicine’s study would be finished. Most recently, they said they would have a decision by Nov. 1. However, on that date, VA Secretary David Shulkin announced the VA would need to further explore the possibility of expanding the list of diseases caused by Agent Orange.

The VA has previously confirmed 14 health conditions caused by Agent Orange, including Parkinson’s disease, prostate cancer and multiple myeloma. Thousands of Vietnam veterans have suffered from illnesses not on the list, namely bladder cancer. Sadly, they will be continued to be denied VA benefits until officials expand the list.

No Deadline for Decision in Sight

When will that be? Unfortunately, the VA is not beholden to a deadline to make that decision. In 2015, Congress allowed the Agent Orange Act of 1991 to expire. The law required the VA secretary to take action on National Academy of Medicine recommendations within 60 days of receiving a report.

“The VA has had ample time to make this decision, and our veterans deserve better than this,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

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