MONROE - Veterans with B Cell leukemia, heart disease and Parkinson's Disease are now eligible for disability and health care benefits, according the Green County Veterans Service office.
The benefits are available for veterans who served in Vietnam and also in the Demilitarized Zone in Korea between April 1968 and July 1969.
"If you served in Vietnam or Korea and you have those diseases, you are automatically approved for benefits," Veterans Service Officer Clayton Ruegsegger said.
The veterans had to have served "on the ground" in either country. The diseases also have to be diagnosed by a doctor, he said.
Even if a veteran has a history of the diseases in his family, he still qualifies for the benefits, Ruegsegger said.
The diseases are a result of Agent Orange and other herbicides. Soldiers who fought in Vietnam and those stationed in Korea were exposed to the chemicals.
There are 15 diseases listed on the United States Veterans Administration Web site, www.va.gov/agentorange, which are covered by disability benefits or health benefits. Ruegsegger said veterans should check the Web site.
Veterans with questions about any benefits can contact the veterans' office at 328-9415.
The benefits are available for veterans who served in Vietnam and also in the Demilitarized Zone in Korea between April 1968 and July 1969.
"If you served in Vietnam or Korea and you have those diseases, you are automatically approved for benefits," Veterans Service Officer Clayton Ruegsegger said.
The veterans had to have served "on the ground" in either country. The diseases also have to be diagnosed by a doctor, he said.
Even if a veteran has a history of the diseases in his family, he still qualifies for the benefits, Ruegsegger said.
The diseases are a result of Agent Orange and other herbicides. Soldiers who fought in Vietnam and those stationed in Korea were exposed to the chemicals.
There are 15 diseases listed on the United States Veterans Administration Web site, www.va.gov/agentorange, which are covered by disability benefits or health benefits. Ruegsegger said veterans should check the Web site.
Veterans with questions about any benefits can contact the veterans' office at 328-9415.