Cancer

Wettermark Keith Veterans Disability Lawyers represent veterans nationwide seeking VA disability benefits for cancer and other service-connected conditions. We operate on a no-fee guarantee basis. If we do not help you obtain the VA disability compensation benefits you deserve, you do not pay us anything. You served our country. Now let us serve you.

Contact Wettermark Keith today for a free case consultation and speak with an experienced VA disability attorney about your cancer claim.

Yes. The veterans disability lawyers at Wettermark Keith have helped many veterans with VA disability claims and appeals involving exposure to cancer-causing toxins. Our legal team understands the VA disability compensation process and has extensive experience filing appeals after denials. We can:

• Help establish service connection
• Assist with Agent Orange cancer claims
• File supplemental claims
• Handle Higher-Level Reviews
• Represent veterans before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals

If your VA cancer disability claim was denied, we can help you determine the next steps.

2023 VA disability benefits for cancer are based on a veterans VA rating and whether there are dependents (spouse, children, and/or parents). Effective 12/1/2022, the list of basic monthly rates for veterans alone are:

• 10% –   $165.92
• 20% –   $327.99
• 30% –   $508.05
• 40% –   $731.86
• 50% –   $1041.82
• 60% –   $1319.65
• 70% –   $1663.06
• 80% –   $1933.15
• 90% –   $2172.39
• 100% – $3621.95

The rating for a veteran can change over time and so can the VA compensation for cancer and disability benefits.

The VA disability rating for cancer is 100%. Veterans with service-connected active cancer are automatically assigned a 100 percent disability rating. As long as the cancer is active, this rating continues for an additional six months following the completion of a cancer treatment program (chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, hormone therapy, etc.).

The VA will schedule veterans a Compensation and Pension (C&P) examination six months after cancer treatment ends. This exam is used to clarify and evaluate the current status of the cancer condition and the effects of treatment. If the cancer is not active or is in remission, an assessment based on residual effects is made, and a new rating is assigned.

Residual effects include anything caused by cancer or cancer treatment. If an additional health condition results from either, a new rating is based on that residual disability. Even with cancer in remission, residuals can negatively impact the quality of life for veterans. A list of some examples include:

Veterans who have or had one of the listed cancers at any time during or after leaving military service may be eligible for disability compensation benefits. The VA contacts impacted Veterans and survivors to inform them about their veteran health care eligibility and provides information on how to apply. To apply for a service-connected cancer rating and receive VA benefits, you must have a current cancer diagnosis and a medical connection that links that cancer to your service if the cancer is not presumptive.

Veterans who get cancer during or after their active military service may be eligible for VA disability compensation, but there must be a service connection to qualify for these benefits. The level of disability varies from 0% to 100% and determines the amount of monetary compensation provided. The VA offers information and resources for military exposure that may be linked to cancer and other health problems. The VA also provides free medical exams to eligible veterans.

One of the easiest disabilities for veterans to claim with the VA is a presumptive condition. A presumptive disability means the VA automatically assumes the veteran’s illness, injury, or condition was caused by military service. Presumptive conditions do not require additional proof of a service connection. Veterans do not need to provide a medical nexus opinion linking their condition to service if they meet the eligibility criteria. Certain cancers are considered presumptive conditions, particularly those linked to Agent Orange exposure. What qualifies as presumptive depends on when and where the veteran served. The VA considers specific cancers and medical conditions as presumptive diseases associated with exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service. Veterans and survivors may be eligible for VA disability benefits for cancers caused by toxic exposure.

The VA offers free medical exams for qualified veterans through the Agent Orange Registry. These health exams help identify possible long-term medical conditions related to Agent Orange exposure during military service. Registry data allows the VA to better understand and respond to these health concerns. Veterans can contact their local VA Environmental Health Coordinator to schedule an Agent Orange Registry exam.

The VA recognizes certain cancers as presumptive service-connected conditions associated with Agent Orange exposure. These presumptive cancers include:

• Bladder Cancer
• Chronic B-Cell Leukemia
• Hodgkin’s Disease
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Multiple Myeloma
• Prostate Cancer
• Respiratory Cancers
• Soft Tissue Sarcomas

Some cancers, such as glioblastoma, are not automatically considered presumptive by the VA. However, veterans may still file a VA disability claim for cancer caused by Agent Orange exposure if they can provide evidence establishing service connection.

An experienced VA disability lawyer can help gather medical records, service records, and expert opinions to strengthen your claim.