Veterans living in the Ft. Lauderdale area of Sunny Florida received some good news lately when it was announced by the VA that they have expanded the list of Agent Orange-related illnesses.

VA is aware that 100,000 veterans were exposed to herbicides such as Agent Orange while serving in Vietnam and other areas in Southeast Asia, according to an article published by the Washington Times.  Sgt. Shaft, a writer for the Washington Times, states that Agent Orange was used to defoliate trees and remove concealment of the enemy.  The aftermath of this battle field procedure has caused serious pain and suffering for veterans over the past 40 years.  I have heard the stories of so many veterans experiencing critical organ failure, cancer and Type 2 diabetes.

The article goes on further to say that more than 80,000 veterans will have past claims reviewed and may be eligible for retroactive payment, and that all who are currently ineligible for enrollment in the VA health care system will become eligible.

Although the circumstances are not pretty for what a Veteran has had to endure in order for him or her  to receive compensation, it would be a crying shame for a Veteran and his spouse not to claim money due them for their pain and suffering.

The Washington Times article of July 20, 2010 said the new rule will bring the number of illnesses presumed to be associated with herbicide exposure to 14, and will significantly expand the VA’s  current definition of leukemia to include a broader range beyond lymphoncytic leukemia.

How does this help Veterans in Ft. Lauderdale become homeowners?

Veterans are receiving from $200 to over $2,000 in monthly payments that help them qualify for another VA benefit: the VA guaranteed Home Loan up to $417,000 dollars.

Added to earned income, pension income, spousal income and social security income, Veterans are now in a position in Ft. Lauderdale to buy a piece of the rock in Sunny Florida.   Imagine owning a home of your own with the resources provided by the government.

I work with VA-approved lenders who will qualify the veteran and their spouse based on their income and satisfactory credit for a mortgage based on their Certificate of Eligibility (COE).  Prices have become affordable for homes in Ft. Lauderdale and it has been proven that the warmer climate and the excellent access to good quality VA health care can add years to your life and life to your years.

Where there is life there is hope!

While many Vietnam-Era Veterans are still alive, I invite you to grab hold of life and utilize the resources available to get the help you need to file your legitimate claim or have your previous denial reviewed.

I am a Possibility Thinker and I have seen powerful transformations occur in the lives of Veterans once they get plugged into a network of support. It is too difficult to challenge the system by yourself so I encourage Veterans to utilize the help of Veteran Service Organizations and Veteran Service Officers.  You can also contact me, The Home Lady and I will be happy to sit with you and go over all of the possibilities of homeownership at your disposal as a Vietnam veteram.