If you were exposed to Agent Orange during your service and have a resulting health condition, you may be eligible for VA disability compensation. In the guide below, we will review how Veterans can obtain benefits if they were exposed to Agent Orange and the options they have if their claim is denied.
Eligibility for VA Disability Compensation
Agent Orange is a potent herbicide that was used by the United States military to clear large areas of land in Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand. Unfortunately, when further research was done on this herbicide, it was discovered it was highly toxic to anyone who came into contact with it. As a result, those who were exposed to Agent Orange may be eligible for disability compensation if both of these elements are true:
- The Veteran has a medical condition that was caused by their exposure to Agent Orange
- The Veteran served in a location exposed to this herbicide
Presumptive Conditions
Today, the VA recognizes certain conditions as being related to Agent Orange exposure. These diseases and conditions are classified as presumptive, which means that if a Veteran was diagnosed with one of these diseases and can show they were exposed to Agent Orange during their service, the VA will presume the condition is service-connected.
These presumptive conditions include the following diseases and cancers: bladder cancer, Hodgkin’s disease, Chronic B-cell leukemia, prostate cancer, respiratory cancers, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus type 2, hypothyroidism, and Parkinson’s disease.
However, for the complete list of these presumptive conditions, review the VA’s list of diseases associated with Agent Orange.
Benefits Available
If you are able to present a medical diagnosis of a disease that the VA recognizes as being associated with Agent Orange and show evidence of your service in a location exposed to this herbicide, you may qualify for the following benefits:
- Disability compensation
- Agent Orange Registry health exam
- Health care benefits
- Rehabilitation
- Education
- Home loans
In addition, dependents of Veterans who have been exposed may be eligible for benefits. Surviving dependent children, spouses, and dependent parents of an exposed Veteran who has passed away due to their exposure may also be eligible.
What If Your Claim Is Denied?
Unfortunately, filing a claim for benefits does not guarantee that a Veteran will receive the benefits they need. In truth, countless claims are denied each year, even when these Veterans meet the qualifications and require help. However, while these applications are often denied because of a lack of necessary documentation or incomplete information, many denied claims have a strong chance of appeal if the Veteran can secure documentation to counter these denials.
Contact the Veterans Benefit Group of Goodman Allen Donnelly and Fight for The Benefits You Deserve
At the Veterans Benefit Group of Goodman Allen, we specialize in appeals and want to help our country’s Veterans and military personnel obtain the benefits and support they have earned.
If you want further information about the appeals process or how our legal team can help you after your claim has been denied, contact us today to learn more.
