Vietnam vets sign up for compensation

Veterans' Affairs Minister Rick Barker says 4600 Vietnam veterans and their family members have registered for compensation and support.

Under the agreement reached last year, veterans exposed to Agent Orange received a $30 million package that included an apology from the Government.

Ex-gratia payments are being made to veterans with certain medical conditions, the spouses of veterans with these conditions who have died, and children who have suffered health effects.

Registered people are entitled to a free medical check to help identify the effects of their tour of duty in Vietnam as well build up a picture of the overhaul health of veterans as a group.

Some registered veterans are entitled to ex-gratia payments of $40,000 if they suffer certain conditions. Partners of veterans who died as a result of those conditions can also get payments of $25,000.

Children of veterans who suffered certain conditions are also entitled to compensation.

Mr Barker said 52 payments have been made so far totalling $1.8 million.

When agreement was reached last year with the Returned Services Association and the Ex-Vietnam Services Association, it was estimated eight to 10 ex-gratia payments would go directly to veterans themselves.

Of the estimated 3500 who served in Vietnam, 1400 veterans are receiving a war disablement pension.

Mr Barker said he was proud of the steps taken to address the grievances of Vietnam veterans and he was looking forward to the Tribute 08 Event which will take place in Wellington on Queen's Birthday Weekend.

NZPA