August 3, 2010
Airforce Times
A new compensation rule for Vietnam veterans with ischemic heart disease, Parkinson’s disease and B-cell leukemias should be out within 30 days, based on a decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals.
The court has given VA an additional 30 days to publish the compensation rule. When the department decides to actually publish could make a difference for veterans, Stichman said. If the rules are published by Aug. 31, veterans may begin receiving benefits at the start of the following month — the next day, Sept. 1. But if VA publishes the rules Sept. 1, then veterans will have to wait until Oct. 1 to begin receiving benefits.
Stichman said the court can’t make VA publish its rule retroactively.
Joining Stichman’s group in the appeal were Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Non-Commissioned Officers Association and the United Spinal Association/VetsFirst.
