Texas Senate Bill SCR17

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Urging Congress to restore the presumption of a service connection for Agent Orange exposure to United States Navy and United States Air Force veterans who served on the inland waterways, in the territorial waters, and in the airspace of the Republic of Vietnam and to institute a presumption of connection to employment for civilians exposed to Agent Orange in their workplaces.

Impact

If enacted, this resolution would compel Congress to reconsider and potentially amend the existing legislation concerning veterans' eligibility for disability benefits related to Agent Orange exposure. The resolution seeks to address the unjust barriers that many veterans face due to policies that have historically required incontrovertible proof of 'boots on the ground' for claims processing. It would also advocate for a more comprehensive approach to recognizing the health impacts of Agent Orange on both veterans and civilians, aiming to expand access to medical care for Louisiana communities affected by these herbicides.

Summary

SCR17 is a legislative resolution that urges the United States Congress to restore the presumption of service connection for United States Navy and United States Air Force veterans exposed to Agent Orange during their service in the inland waterways, territorial waters, and airspace over Vietnam. The resolution highlights the long history of Agent Orange use by the military during the Vietnam War and its associated health effects, which have disproportionately affected veterans who cannot produce documentation proving their exposure due to incomplete military records. The concerns extend beyond military personnel to include civilians who have experienced health issues due to exposure in workplace settings related to military operations.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SCR17 include concerns about the adequacy of the current evidentiary requirements for establishing service connections for illnesses caused by Agent Orange exposure. Critics of the existing policies argue that they unjustly disadvantage veterans who served near Vietnam's coast or in airspace, despite evidence suggesting that they were also exposed to harmful chemicals. Additionally, there are challenges faced by civilian employees who worked in environments where exposure occurred, as they often face complex bureaucratic hurdles when seeking compensation for related health issues.