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Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/16347
S�������� 15, 2010 ���.D�����M��������.��� VA expands list of Agent Orange health issues; speeds up process Department of Veterans Affairs Promotes New Rule Expediting Claims Process for Veterans Thought to Have Agent Orange Exposure Washington, D.C. – Veterans exposed to herbicides while serving in Vietnam and other areas will soon more easily qualify for disability pay under a regu- lation published by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The new rule expands the list of health problems VA will “presume” to be related to Agent Orange and other herbicide expo- sures. Under existing regulations, veterans who served in Vietnam during the war and who have a “presumed” ill- ness don’t have to prove an associa- tion between their medical problems and their military service. Adding to the list of illnesses and conditions pre- sumed to be connected to herbicide exposure simplifies and speeds up the application process for veterans suf- fering from those conditions. The new rule expands the list of condi- tions for which service connection for Vietnam veterans is presumed. The VA is adding Parkinson’s disease and ischemic heart disease and expand- ing chronic lymphocytic leukemia to include all chronic B cell leukemias, such as hairy cell leukemia. Eric Shin- seki, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, said the decision is based on the re- quirements of the Agent Orange Act of 1991 and the Institute of Medicine’s 2008 Update on Agent Orange. “This is an important moment for vet- erans who waited years for the support they deserved all along,” said Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva of the decision. “Any- one who believes they were exposed to Agent Orange or other chemicals should immediately find out how this rule could help them. This decision is clearly overdue, and I applaud the VA for doing the right thing before any more veterans suffer needlessly.” Veterans who served in Vietnam be- tween January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, are presumed to have been exposed to herbicides. More than 150,000 Veterans are expected to sub- mit Agent Orange claims in the next 12 to 18 months, many of whom are po- tentially eligible for retroactive disabil- ity payments based on past claims. Individuals can visit http://www.vba. va.gov/bln/21/AO/claimherbicide. htm to get an understanding of how to file a claim for presumptive condi- tions related to herbicide exposure, as well as what evidence is needed by the VA to make a decision about disability compensation or survivors benefits. Additional information about Agent Orange and VA services for veterans exposed to the chemical is available at www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/ agentorange. Pattie’s RV Park OPEN YEAR-ROUND ~ LARGE LOTS 455 E. Main St., Quartzsite ~ Walk to shopping! ~ Propane Sales ~ Laundromat ~ RO Water ~ Thrift Shop Pets & Children Welcome! 928-927-4223 Benefiting Quartzsite’s No Kill Animal Shelter See our newly remodeled gift shop & boutique Check out our new designer jewelry! 455 E. Main St. Quartzsite Open 7 days 9-2 951-764-6072 P��� 19 Calling Artists to paint rocks.... QUARTZSITE-Proud Neighbors of Quartzsite (PNQ) is seeking artists to create public artwork in this year’s “Rockin’ in Quartz- site!” A Celebration of the Arts! Are you a talented, emerging, mid-level, or profes- sional artist looking for a new challenge? Here’s your chance to paint a “Rock Art Piece”! Quartzsite is the Rock Capital of the World! What fun to paint one of 15 Rock Art Pieces for visitors and residents alike to enjoy for the winter season. WHAT: A public art event which al- lows artists, sponsors, businesses, schools, merchants, seniors, social groups, and individuals to work togeth- er toward enriching our community. Rock Art Pieces will be sponsored by lo- cal businesses, corporations and private citizens. Rock Art will be painted and decorated by local and regional artists. Displayed in creative places throughout the Town of Quartzsite. WHEN: Oct. 23, 2010 - March 5, 2011. Sat. Oct. 23 is Make a Difference day. Meet the artists at the Rock Motel where WHERE: The “Rock Motel” (a transformed ware- house) at Tyson Wells Showgrounds, 100 W. Kuehen, Quartzsite. Rock Art will be displayed in many loca- tions around town, in front of businesses, and other creative places. WHO: Proceeds from the events will benefit local non-profit organizations through PNQ’s Volunteer Equity Program. Locals and visitors alike will find them- selves looking for the Rock Art throughout town, using a “Rockin’ in Quartzsite!” map to guide them all over town. Visit www.proudneighbors.com. Email: proudneighbors@yahoo.com, or call Rain @ 541-218-2560. Artist applications must be postmarked by Sept. 20, 2010. the public can enjoy painting small rocks, rock games, food and entertainment. The completed Rock Art Pieces will be un- veiled during the Artist Gala at the “Rock Motel” Sat. Nov. 6, 2010 and will go on dis- play until March 1, 2010. The Rock Auction will take place on Sat. March 5, 2011. Animal Refuge Thrift Shop