Agent Orange Exposure VA Disability Lawyer

Agent Orange VA Disability – Military Disability Benefits Lawyers

The dense jungles of Vietnam were difficult to navigate and unforgiving. Along with thick foliage, a diverse ecosystem, and an abundance of wildlife, it was even harder to travel during the intense rainy season that lasted roughly six months each year. When American troops were deployed to help South Vietnam, they were often ambushed by local insurgents who supported communist North Vietnam. These insurgents, known as the Viet Cong, were well-versed in jungle warfare and used dense vegetation to conceal their movements. In an effort to protect American forces, the U.S. military authorized the use of a herbicide known as Agent Orange to destroy the jungles and crops relied upon for concealment and food. Unfortunately, Agent Orange contained dioxin, a toxic chemical linked to cancer, birth defects, neurological disorders, and other serious health problems. Many veterans exposed to Agent Orange developed severe physical conditions and psychological disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder. The impact has been far-reaching and devastating.

Many veterans have been unable to work. Others have struggled to raise families and maintain relationships. Some have tragically taken their own lives. It is heartbreaking and infuriating that many veterans exposed to Agent Orange have had their VA disability claims denied. A denial not only withholds earned benefits, but also increases the financial and physical strain caused by Agent Orange exposure. If you are a veteran experiencing health problems due to Agent Orange exposure, you may be eligible for VA disability compensation and additional benefits to assist with medical bills, disability accommodations, and living expenses.

Agent Orange Diseases Recognized by the VA

The VA recognizes that veterans exposed to Agent Orange are at increased risk for certain diseases. Veterans and survivors may qualify for VA disability benefits for conditions including:

• AL Amyloidosis
• Bladder Cancer
• Chronic B-cell Leukemias
• Chloracne
• Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
• Hypertension
• Hodgkin’s Disease
• Hypothyroidism
• Ischemic Heart Disease
• Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance
• Multiple Myeloma
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Parkinsonism or Parkinson’s Disease
• Peripheral Neuropathy, Early-Onset
• Porphyria Cutanea Tarda
• Prostate Cancer
• Respiratory Cancers including Lung Cancer
• Soft Tissue Sarcomas

Agent Orange effects may take decades to appear. Even if your diagnosis occurred years after service, you may still qualify.

Agent Orange and Birth Defects

Children of Vietnam veterans may also qualify for benefits. Examples of birth defects linked to Agent Orange exposure include:

• Spina bifida
• Congenital heart disease
• Cleft lip
• Hip dysplasia
• Neural tube defects

Eligibility depends on service dates and location.

Establishing Service Connection for Agent Orange VA Disability

To receive VA disability compensation, you must prove:

1. You have a recognized Agent Orange-related condition
2. You served in a qualifying location during the required timeframe

The VA presumes exposure if service requirements are met.

Presumptive Service Locations Include:

Between January 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975:

• Republic of Vietnam
• Inland waterways of Vietnam
• Waters within 12 nautical miles of Vietnam and Cambodia

Additional locations include:

• Thailand military bases
• Laos
• Cambodia
• Guam
• American Samoa
• Johnston Atoll

The PACT Act expanded additional qualifying locations and conditions.