By Bobbye C. Jerone / guest columnist

Yesterday I assisted a Vietnam veteran in filing a claim for an increase in his percent of service connected disability for a medical issue he has had since he was on active duty; and which has become much worse. As we talked he mentioned that he had had prostate cancer several years ago and still had some residual problems. He was shocked to find out that prostate cancer is one of the 11 diseases which are "presumed to be service connected" if a person served in Vietnam — or has been exposed to certain herbicides, most notably one called "Agent Orange." We filed a claim for the residuals of the cancer and medical problems, which are secondary to the cancer. The sad thing is that this Veteran, who has already suffered so much for our country, had no idea that he could be compensated for these medical problems. Last week I met a lady who lost her husband to cancer as a result of his exposure to herbicides in Vietnam. He was ill for over a year, and died in November of 2007. He never knew that he was eligible to file a claim for compensation for this 'presumed service connected' medical problem. The VA compensation would have been a godsend to this family when the man became too ill to work.

We are currently helping several young veterans who have been injured, or are ill, from their service in Iraq or Afghanistan. Most of the time they have no idea what the 'presumed to be service connected' disorders are that pertain to them. And no one seems to be standing in line to get the word out to them.

There are four lists of 'presumed to be service connected' medical conditions which are published by the VA. They are also listed in a VA Benefits Handbook, which is published every year by the government. The VA medical Centers, Regional Office, and Outpatient Centers have made these books available for no fee in the past. Unfortunately these Handbooks are scarce in printed form since the VA made the information available on the internet.

The four lists are, Former POW's, Vietnam Veterans (and those exposed to Herbicides, i.e., Agent Orange); Atomic Veterans (Exposed to ionizing radiation) and Gulf War veterans. Because of the space constraints of this column, we are unable to print them all here. If you, or someone you know, is a former POW, or has been exposed to Ionizing Radiation please consult the appropriate list for disorders which may affect you.

Following are the two lists which affect the largest number of veterans in our area:

Vietnam Veterans (or any veteran who can prove exposure to herbicides-most notably Agent Orange)

Soft tissue sarcoma (other than osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Kaposi's sarcoma or mesothelioma); Hodgkin's disease; multiple myeloma; respiratory cancers (lung, bronchus, larynx, trachea); non-Hodgkin's lymphoma; prostate cancer, Type II Diabetes; Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Chloracne or Porphyria Cutanea Tarda and Peripheral neuropathy (other than as secondary to diabetes).(with the last two disorders to be diagnosed within one year of exposure.)

Gulf War veterans: (Anyone who served in the first Gulf War and or the current War on Terrorism)

Medical unexplained or undiagnosed*, chronic multi-system illnesses defined by a cluster of signs or symptoms that have existed for six months or more, such as; Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome; any diagnosed or undiagnosed illness that the secretary of VA determines warrants a presumption of service connection; Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), otherwise known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

* Symptoms of an 'undiagnosed illness' include: Fatigue, skin symptoms, headaches, muscle pain, joint pain, neurological and respiratory symptoms; sleep disturbances, GI symptoms, cardiovascular symptoms, unexplained weight loss and menstrual disorders.

If you or anyone you know, has been diagnosed with any of the above disorders you should get your medical records together and file a claim for compensation immediately!

Submitted by Bobbye C. Jerone, Independent Veterans Advocate and president, American Legion Auxiliary No. 257 in Meridian. She can be reached at Bvj11012bellsouth.net or (601) 679-5055.