Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker (D-Essex), chair of the Assembly Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee, issued the following statement in recognition of Agent Orange Awareness Month:
“Many Vietnam veterans are experiencing health problems as a result of their service-connected exposure to Agent Orange. It is tragic that so many are enduring long-term and life-altering health problems because of this known carcinogen.
“If you are struggling, I encourage you to contact your local Veterans Affairs office to learn what benefits you are eligible to receive. This country owes you a debt of gratitude, and there are resources available to assist in dealing with the health problems you are facing.”
‘Agent Orange’ is an herbicide that was used by the U.S. military to clear dense plants during the Vietnam War. It was later discovered that one of the chemicals in Agent Orange is a carcinogen that can cause health problems for those exposed to the herbicide.
Veterans who served in Vietnam between January 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975 and may have been exposed to herbicides are eligible for compensation if they are experiencing any of the 14 conditions related to herbicide exposure.