Reminder: File before Aug. 30 for those veterans who have existing medical diagnosis for 3 new AO presumptive diseases

Veterans Assistance

In order to avoid losing thousands of dollars, the Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) of Lake County is reminding Vietnam veterans who have an existing medical diagnosis for any of the three new presumptive diseases to file their claims before Aug. 30.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs refers to “presumptive diseases” as certain cancers and other health problems related to exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service.

The three new presumptive diseases include:

1. Ischemic Heart Disease
   
2. Hairy Cell and other B-Cell Leukemias
   
3. Parkinson’s disease

Qualifying veterans that file before the Aug. 30 deadline are eligible to receive up to one year of retroactive benefits.

Vietnam veterans should contact the VAC at (847) 377-3344 to make an appointment, or email veterans@lakecountyil.gov. The office is located at 20 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, Waukegan.

The Source