Proposed New Agent Orange Conditions Presented to Congress


After years of trying, a means to expedite benefits to thousands of Vietnam War veterans was presented to Congress via this year’s annual defense budget review. If approved, benefits would be granted to Vietnam War veterans suffering from bladder cancer, hypothyroidism, hypertension, and Parkinson’s-like symptoms thought to be caused by chemical herbicide Agent Orange.

According to an article published by Stars and Stripes, “Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., and Rep. Josh Harder, D-Calif., pushed to add the measure to the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2021. The NDAA sets the Defense Department’s annual budget and includes a slew of policies for the Pentagon. It’s one of the only major bills that passes reliably through Congress each year, making it a desirable target for lawmakers to attach other measures.”

Relevant Pages: Veterans Disability