PAN Supports VA Initiative to Streamline Agent Orange Claims

The Parkinson’s Action Network (PAN) supports the announcement today by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to solicit private sector input on “fast tracking” the disability claims process for service-connected disability filed by Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange.  This announcement comes as the VA expects to receive 200,000 disability claims over the next two years after the expansion of three service-connected disabilities in relation to Agent Orange.  Parkinson’s disease, along with ischemic heart disease and B-cell leukemias, was given presumption of service-connected disability status last fall by VA Secretary Eric Shinseki.

PAN is pleased that the VA is taking steps to streamline the disability claims process.  Using automated solutions from private sector partners should allow the VA to shorten the time between when a veteran files a disability claim and the time that the claim is decided and a potential award is granted.  Making sure our veterans get the treatment and benefits that they earned in service to our country in a timely manner is essential.  It is PAN’s hope that the VA’s announcement will make the disability claims process simpler, faster, and more efficient as veterans with Parkinson’s and other Agent Orange-related diseases file their claims.  The publication of proposed regulations for the three new presumptive illnesses is expected this spring.  Please stay tuned for updates on this important issue.