There are benefits available to Veterans who were
in a war-time period, mental health benefits and more. This article is going to
focus on Vietnam Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange. Veterans who were
exposed to Agent Orange are eligible for disability compensation.
The eligibility
requirements include:
- Presumptive
diseases - Assume that certain cancers and other illnesses are caused by Agent
Orange.
- Presumptive
exposure - Assume that Veterans who served in certain locations were exposed to
Agent Orange.
The disability compensation includes Blue Water Navy. The Blue Water Navy
Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 states that anyone who served aboard ships in the
open waters off the coast of Vietnam during the Vietnam War are now presumed to
be exposed to Agent Orange. If your claim was denied in the past, you can file
a new claim based on Public Law 116-23.
The cancers and
other illnesses caused by Agent Orange are extensive. Some illnesses include
diabetes mellitus type 2, ischemic heart disease, Parkinson’s Disease,
peripheral neuropathy, porphyria cutanea tarda, AL amyloidosis, chloracne (or
other types of Acneiform disease) and more.
If you believe
you or your loved one has an illness caused by Agent Orange exposure you must
file a claim for VA disability benefits. You will need to submit more documents
and evidence. Please contact your local Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC)
for assistance and guidance or contact Elderwerks for a referral.