Court Overturns Agent Orange Rule

The Court of Veterans Appeal has upheld an appeal by Jonathan L. Hass, a Navy veteran who had claimed service connection for diabetes mellitus because of exposure to Agent Orange. Hass, who served aboard an ammunition ship off the coast of Vietnam during the war, never went ashore in Vietnam. His claim for disability had been denied by the Board of Veterans Appeals. The Court returned the case to the board in its action of August 16. If the board approves his disability, this would open the door to disability awards for Agent Orange exposure to all who served aboard ship who earned the Vietnam Service Medal. The VA is reviewing the court’s decision. The Military Officers Association of America recommends that other veterans who served afloat and who suffer conditions they believe to be Agent Orange related should consider filing a claim for disability.