Vietnam vets need to file claims by Aug. 30

The Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County is reminding Vietnam veterans who have existing medical diagnoses for certain diseases to file their claims before Aug 30.The announcement refers to what the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs calls #147;presumptive diseases.#148; They are certain cancers and other health problems related to exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service.Three new presumptive diseases are: ischemic heart disease, hairy cell and other B-cell leukemias, and Parkinson#146;s disease.Qualifying veterans who file before the Aug. 30 deadline are eligible to receive up to one year of retroactive benefits.For an appointment, call (847) 377-3344 or email veterans@lakecountyil.gov.The office is at 20 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Waukegan. Veterans should bring their military discharge paperwork, DD Form 214, to the office.Additionally, if a Vietnam veteran died from a heart attack, the spouse may qualify for benefits because the death could be due to exposure to Agent Orange. Qualifying widows should file for dependent indemnity compensation before the Aug. 30 deadline.