Many leaders from within the African American community and beyond rose to prominence during the Civil Rights era, including Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, Andrew Goodman and others. They riskedâand sometimes lostâtheir lives in the name of freedom and equality.
Cancers believed to be caused by contact with Agent Orange. 1  Chronic B-cell Leukemia: A type of cancer that affects your white blood cells (cells in your bodyâs immune system that help to fight off illnesses and infections)
Heart Disease & Agent Orange. In 2008, the Institute of Medicine released a report that linked Agent Orange exposure during Vietnam to ischemic heart disease and Parkinsonâs. In 2010, the VA issued a final rule and listed ischemic heart disease as a condition presumed to have been caused by Agent Orange. Following such information the VA announced that some veterans and surviving spouses may also be eligible for retroactive claims.