It’s important to understand the health care needs of Vietnam War veterans because of the long-term effects of military service during the Vietnam War era. If you served during the Vietnam War, you may be at risk of certain health conditions. Understanding these needs will allow you to receive better care.
Learn about these conditions and what to do next to take care of your health.
Health risks related to Vietnam War
Diseases related to Agent Orange: A toxic chemical used to clear trees and plants that can cause long-term health effects
Hepatitis C: A disease that can harm your liver
Hearing problems caused by noise: Harmful sounds from guns, explosives, rockets, heavy weapons, jets and aircraft, and machinery that can cause or add to hearing loss and ringing in the ears
Illnesses or injuries caused by job-related hazards: Chemicals, paints, radiation, and other hazards you may have come across
What you can do now
Take these steps to make sure you’re taking care of your health:
Talk to your primary health care provider or your local VA environmental health coordinator about other health concerns related to your military service. Remember, you can use Secure Messaging (login required) to send a private note to your doctor if you have any questions or worries.
Ask your local VA environmental health coordinator about getting a free Agent Orange Registry health exam.
Find out if you can get benefits from any illness or injury caused, or made worse, by your active-duty service, such as illness-related to agent orange or contact with hazardous materials.
Be sure your doctor knows if you have a history of Agent Orange exposure. Because of the possibility of increased cancer risk, your doctor may suggest cancer screening tests and to report any symptoms as soon as they appear.
Veterans are at risk for many types of cancer just like everyone else, even if they haven’t been exposed to Agent Orange. You can lower your risk of cancer and other diseases by quitting smoking, staying at a healthy weight, getting regular physical activity, and eating a healthy diet.
Go to www.TADPGS.com, click on the “Looking for People” tab, then view “Veterans Solutions”. To see more information for Veterans, please join our LinkedIn group, Veterans Hiring Solutions for Veterans at http://linkd.in/Sg346w. If you have specific questions, contact me at Ben.Marich@Adeccona.com