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Tester applauds decision about Agent Orange

Published on Wednesday, September 8, 2010 7:08 PM MDT

U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., released the following statement in response to the Veterans’ Administration expanding its list of diseases presumed to be related to Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam War:

When the new rule goes into effect in 60 days, the VA will consider Parkinson’s Disease, ischemic heart disease and chronic B-cell leukemias (such as hairy cell leukemia) as illnesses caused by Agent Orange, a powerful chemical herbicide.

The new rule means Vietnam veterans who suffer from those diseases may be eligible for benefits. Veterans who served in Vietnam anytime between Jan. 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, are presumed to have been exposed to herbicides.

Tester encouraged all interested Montana veterans and their families to find more information online at www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/AO/claimherbicide.htm, or by calling his office toll-free at 866-554-4403.

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