Webb asks VA to reconsider new policy

HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) - Under a proposal announced last year, some Vietnam Veterans affected by Agent Orange could receive more benefits from the Hampton VA Medical Center.

Specifically, Vietnam veterans exposed to the agent orange herbicide who suffer from B cell leukemias, Parkinson's disease, and ischemic heart disease would have presumptive status, making it easier for them to obtain benefits.

Adding these three new ailments would bring to 15 the number of medical conditions that have presumptive status in connection to agent orange exposure.

But Virginia Senator Jim Webb is asking the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to reconsider these additions, citing a cost feared to be as much as $42 billion over the next ten years.

In a letter obtained by WAVY News 10, Senator Webb writes to Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Eric Shinseki, stating in part:

"This single executive decision is estimated to cost a minimum of $42.2 billion over the next ten years. A regulatory action of this magnitude requires proper Congressional review and oversight."

Webb also writes, "Heart disease is a common phenomenon regardless of potential exposure to Agent Orange."

Vietnam Veteran Steve Newsom disagrees, telling WAVY News 10 that any disease with possible links to Agent Orange exposure needs to be checked into, and if that link can be proven, treatment should be covered by the VA.

If the proposal adding three new medical conditions to 'presumptive status' is approved, not only would the VA pay out on new claims, but thousands of veterans previously denied coverage would be eligible for retroactive payments.

Senator Webb recently added an amendment to the House spending bill that would block the new benefit for at least 60 days so Congress can determine if it's necessary.