VA Secretary Opposes Benefits for Vietnam Navy Vets

VA Secretary Opposes Benefits for Vietnam Navy Vets New VA Secretary Opposes Agent Orange Benefits for Navy Veterans Robert Wilkie, the newly appointed secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, has opposed a bill to extend benefits based on exposure to Agent Orange to Navy veterans who served during the Vietnam War. He based his opinion on high costs and insufficient evidence sailors were exposed to the toxic chemical. A detailed article on the story appears here.Wilkie urged senators to reject disability and healthcare benefits for 90,000 veterans who served aboard destroyers, aircraft carriers and other vessels during Vietnam. These veterans claim their ships’ water systems exposed them to a dioxin-laden herbicide linked to Parkinson’s disease, heart disease and respiratory cancer.Cost and Staffing ConcernsWilkie said the bill would cost the VA $5.5 billion. He added the method in the bill to pay increased benefits raises fees for service members- and veterans who rely on the VA’s home loan program. He also indicated the VA would require 800 additional staff members to implement the change.No Vote at This TimeIn June 2018, the bill passed in the House and has gone to the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. Currently, the VA is comparing the health of deployed Vietnam veterans- including Navy veterans- to civilians of similar age. Wilkie urged senators to wait for a study before voting. The Senate committee discussed the bill during an August hearing, but has not yet scheduled a vote.We Can HelpIf you are disabled and unable to work, call Disability Attorneys of Michigan for a free confidential consultation. We’ll let you know if we can help you get a monthly check and help you determine if any money or assets you receive could impact your eligibility for disability benefits.Disability Attorneys of Michigan works hard every day helping the disabled of Michigan seek the Social Security Disability and Veterans Disability benefits they need. If you are unable to work due to a physical, mental, or cognitive impairment; call Disability At torneys of Michigan now for a free consultation at 800-949- 2900.Let Michigan’s experienced disability law firm help you get the benefits you deserve.Disability Attorneys of Michigan, Compassionate Excellence. Agent Orange Exposure, Michigan VA Disability Lawyer, Michigan Veterans Benefits, Michigan Veterans Disability Attorney, Michigan Veterans Disability Benefits