More health conditions tied to Agent Orange

More health conditions tied to Agent Orange

Some in Congress aren't sure the government should be so quick in adding presumptive illnesses to the list. Sen. Jim Webb, in a June letter to Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki, said adding the three medical conditions is estimated to cost a minimum of $42.2 billion over the next 10 years.

Some of the conditions presumed to be linked to Agent Orange are common diseases of aging, such as diabetes, prostate cancer and heart disease, said Webb, himself a decorated Vietnam veteran.

In a May 26 speech on the Senate floor, Webb said he wants to support veterans.

"But I do think we need to have practical, proper procedures and I do believe that the executive branch…needs to be held to an accountable standard," he said.