VETERAN BENEFITS

Agent Orange: Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service may be eligible for a variety of VA benefits, including disability compensation for diseases associated with exposure, such as prostate and respiratory cancers. Your dependents and survivors may be eligible for benefits as well. Call 1-800-749-8387 or visit: www.publichealth.va.gov/ exposures/agentorange/.

Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) provides compensation and medical benefits to former nuclear and uranium workers who developed an illness as a result of being exposed to radiation and toxic substances at Department of Energy facilities. For more information, visit: coldwarpatriots.org or call 1-888-903-8989.

Healthcare: Call 1-877-222-VETS (8387) or visit va.gov/health to check eligibility requirements.

Local resource

Crisis help line: If you are a veteran in crisis or concerned about one, call the New Mexico Department of Veteran Service’s crisis line available 24/7. Many responders are veterans themselves. Call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1 or text 838255 to start a confidential chat.

NM veteran benefits: Visit www.nmdvs.org for information about benefits for New Mexico veterans, including property tax exemptions, reduced vehicle registration fees and in-state tuition.