𝐃𝐄𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝐕𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐒 𝐀𝐅𝐅𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐒 𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐒𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍

𝐁𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐮𝐬 𝐃𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐚𝐧

MONTICELLO, KY (GWN) – Department of Veterans Affairs has approved veteran’s legislation for the expansion of three more disability claims that veterans can soon expect to file. The legislation contains multiple provisions that will directly affect veterans with long lasting symptoms. Any local veterans who served during conflict and have developed symptoms of long-lasting adverse health effects that continue to manifest are encouraged to contact Department of Veterans Affairs local Representative Lea Hammond who will assist in completing the claims.

Veterans are eligible to participate if they deployed to various countries in the Middle East, Afghanistan or Viet Nam. Other veterans who served in operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom are eligible to apply, as well. DAV was the first major veteran’s organization to become instrumental in this process along with other pilot programs for the benefit of disabled veterans.

Any Veteran who may have discovered symptoms of Parkinsonism disease are encouraged to file a claim immediately. Symptoms of Parkinsonism causes the same symptoms as Parkinson disease. They include a tremor that occurs in one hand while the muscles are relaxed, stiff muscles, slow movements, and difficulty maintaining balance and walking.

Another symptom includes hypothyroidism or Myxedema which is used to describe the dermatologic changes that occur in hypothyroidism and occasionally hyperthyroidism. Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism may include fatigue, increased sensitivity to cold, constipation, dry skin, weight gain, puffy face hoarseness, muscle weakness, elevated blood cholesterol level, muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness.

Also included are symptoms of Bladder cancer. Local Veterans who exhibit symptoms of Bladder cancer need to seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms include blood in urine, difficulty urinating, low back pain, rapid weight loss, loss of appetite, swollen feet, and extreme weakness and tiredness.

Local veterans may contact Representative Lea Hammond at her new office in the basement of City Hall on Wednesdays between 9 am and 3 pm, or DAV Commander Jeff Morgan at 606-307-8719. All local veterans are encouraged to attend the DAV monthly meetings on the first Monday of each month at the Senior Citizens Building, across from the Judicial Center on Columbia Avenue in Monticello, Kentucky.