VA BLUE WATER CLAIMS Update 04:
On 5 MAY 09 Rep Bob Filner (D-CA-51st) introduced the Agent Orange Equity Act of 2009 (H.R.2244). This legislation would clarify the legal presumption of exposure to Agent Orange for veterans who served in the vicinity of Viet Nam. Currently, 38 US Code Section 1116, defines a Viet Nam veteran as "a veteran who, during active military, naval, or air service, served in the Republic of Vietnam during the period beginning on January 9, 1962, and ending on May 7, 1975."
The Department of Veterans Affairs uses a conservative interpretation to mean "boots on the ground" which excludes most Navy and Air Force personnel who have Agent Orange related issues but who cannot prove "boots on the ground." H.R.2254 would clarify this section by redefining a Viet Nam veteran as one who during active military, naval, or air service (a) served in the Republic of Vietnam (including the inland waterways, ports, and harbors of such Republic, the waters offshore of such Republic, and the airspace above such Republic) during the period January 9, 1962 - May 7, 1975; (b) served in Johnston Island during the period April 1, 1972 - September 30, 1977; or (c) received the Vietnam Service Medal or the Vietnam Campaign Medal.
If you would like to see this legislation passed you should contact your legislator and ask that he/she sign on as a sponsor or cosponsor to the bill.
One easy way to do this is to go to
http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/alert/?alertid=13301656&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id]
where you will find a preformatted message that you can use as is or edit the text of to your personal style and forward automatically by entering your zip code and contact data.
[Source: NAUS Legislative Alert 8 May 09 ++]
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