Vietnam Veterans Day (VA SIG)

National Vietnam Veterans Day

By Ladsine Taylor and Letha Joseph

The Veterans Affairs (VA) observes March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day. In 2008, the Secretary of Defense was authorized by law to conduct a commemoration of the 50Th anniversary of the Vietnam War.¹ As of 2020, the largest group of veterans is from the Vietnam War era, with approximately 6.3 million Veterans.² Many veterans were stationed in Vietnam and surrounding Southeast Asian countries.² Vietnam Veterans Day is a time to remember and thank those who served during this military era (1964-1975).

Veterans experience unique healthcare issues related to the era and the military branch they served. For example, Vietnam era Veterans’ health conditions may be associated with the exposure to toxic chemicals used to clear trees and plants.² Vietnam Veterans’ unique healthcare concerns are related to their potential exposure to Agent Orange, noise injuries from loud artillery, explosives, airplanes, rockets contributing to hearing loss and tinnitus, hepatitis C, and occupational hazards including radiation, chemicals, and paint.³

The Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022 expanded health care and benefits to those exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. The PACT Act added several healthcare problems as “presumptive conditions” due to toxic exposure. As a result, Veterans do not need to prove that their condition resulted from exposure to those toxins during their military service. For those eligible, it also provides benefits to veteran survivors. Additional information on the PACT Act website, or 1-800-MyVA411(1-800-698-2411(TTY:711).⁴

Advanced Practice Providers working in VA and non-VA settings can honor these veterans by considering their unique healthcare needs and educating them on VA health benefits for they might be eligible. According to the AARP 2022 survey, 34% of Veterans used the Veterans Affairs healthcare services.⁵ So, 66% of the Veterans receive care from non-VA settings or not receiving any healthcare. This data highlights the non-VA providers' role in Veteran healthcare. The American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM) is partnering with the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide certification training programs in Military Environmental Exposures.

This free course is available to healthcare professionals interested in Veterans’ care.

Ladsine Taylor, MSN, APRN, GNP-BC,CDP
ladsinetaylor@gmail.com

Letha Joseph, DNP, AGPCNP-BC, FAANP
lethajoseph@gmail.com