Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam War has had lasting effects on the health of many veterans. Leah will explore the concept of Agent Orange exposure and veterans disability, providing a brief overview of the facts surrounding exposure and detailing the resources available for veterans seeking disability benefits.
Understanding Agent Orange
Agent Orange was an herbicide extensively used during the Vietnam War. Its use has been linked to various medical conditions, including both cancerous and non-cancerous disorders. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has identified specific conditions related to Agent Orange exposure and categorized them as presumptive.
What Does “Presumptive” Mean?
When we use the term “presumptive,” we are referring to conditions for which the VA has established a connection to Agent Orange exposure. Veterans meeting certain eligibility criteria based on their disorder and the location of service should, in theory, could be granted service connection.
Locations and Service Requirements
To be eligible for presumptive conditions related to Agent Orange exposure, veterans must have served during specific periods in designated locations. According to the VA, service between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, in locations such as the Republic of Vietnam, aboard specific U.S. military vessels, or on the perimeters of U.S. Army installations in Thailand, can qualify for presumptive conditions.
Resources for Veterans
Understanding the eligibility criteria is crucial for veterans seeking disability benefits related to Agent Orange exposure. The VA website, va.gov, provides a comprehensive breakdown of the locations and timelines associated with presumptive conditions. Veterans can use this resource to gather the necessary information to support their disability claims.
Conditions Recognized by the VA
The VA has identified several medical conditions associated with Agent Orange exposure that are considered presumptive. Some of these conditions include:
- Cancerous conditions: Prostate cancer, respiratory cancers, soft tissue sarcomas.
- Non-cancerous conditions: Type 2 diabetes, amyloidosis, chronic B-cell leukemias, chloracne, Hodgkin’s disease, ischemic heart disease, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Parkinson’s disease, early onset peripheral neuropathy.
Recent Additions
In 2021, the VA added three new presumptive conditions: bladder cancer, hypothyroidism, and Parkinson. Veterans who had previously applied for these conditions and were denied may be eligible for retroactive payments. In 2023, hypertension and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance were also added.
Case Study: The Importance of Persistence
A poignant case illustrates the importance of perseverance in the disability claims process. A veteran faced repeated denials for diabetes-related conditions due to an error on his DD214, omitting vital information about his Vietnam service. After the mistake was corrected, additional conditions related to diabetes were identified, leading to a successful disability claim.
Secondary Conditions
The veteran not only had diabetes but also experienced diabetic skin changes, peripheral neuropathy, retinopathy, and erectile dysfunction. By addressing these secondary conditions during the claims process, the veteran was ultimately granted a 100% VA disability rating.
The Power of Advocacy
While the correction of administrative errors played a role, the veteran’s legal advocate played a crucial part in ensuring all related conditions were considered. Veterans need to understand the importance of working with an advocate, being persistent, and utilizing available resources.
Conclusion
Agent Orange exposure has left a lasting impact on many Vietnam veterans, resulting in various presumptive conditions recognized by the VA. Understanding the eligibility criteria, the recognized conditions, and the resources available is crucial for veterans seeking disability benefits. The story of a veteran’s persistence and eventual success serves as a testament to the importance of advocacy and never giving up in the pursuit of deserved benefits. Veterans are encouraged to use available resources, such as va.gov, and work closely with advocates to navigate the complexities of the disability claims process.
Also read: Obstructive Sleep Apnea And Veterans Disability
At Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting, a veteran-owned company, we specialize in Independent Medical Opinions (IMOs) known as Nexus letters.
Our purpose is to empower YOU, the veteran, to take charge of your medical evidence and provide you with valuable educational tools and research to guide you on your journey.
Understanding the unique challenges veterans face, our commitment lies in delivering exceptional service and support.
Leveraging an extensive network of licensed independent medical professionals, all well-versed in the medical professional aspects of the VA claims process, we review the necessary medical evidence to incorporate in our reports related to your VA Disability Claim.
Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting is not a law firm, accredited claims agent, or affiliated with the Veterans Administration or Veterans Services Organizations. However, we are happy to discuss your case with your accredited VA legal professional.
