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Hi all-
Someone recently shared that HR 3518 is seeking to expand benefits to those affected by AO, including the offspring of male servicemembers like me. Here’s the link: https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/117/hr3518/summary.
Here’s an excerpt, “HHS must (1) make grants to public health organizations and Vietnamese American organizations to conduct a broad health assessment of Vietnamese Americans who may have been exposed to Agent Orange and their descendants; and (2) establish centers in U.S. locations where large populations of Vietnamese Americans reside to provide assessment, counseling, and treatment for conditions related to Agent Orange exposure.”
My guess is that most on this thread are veterans, but I hope this information proves helpful to you and your families.
Under the bill, certain benefits will be made available to the children of male Vietnam veterans who are affected by certain birth defects. Currently, these benefits are only available to the children of women Vietnam veterans. The VA shall require any health care provider with whom the VA enters into a contract for the provision of health care to such children to provide the VA access to their medical records for research into the intergenerational effects of Agent Orange exposure.”