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During the Vietnam War, the U.S. military used a powerful herbicide called Agent Orange to clear dense vegetation. Decades later, many veterans exposed to it are now living with serious health conditions linked to that toxic exposure. If you’re a Vietnam veteran in Illinois, it’s important to understand that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes a number of illnesses as service-connected due to Agent Orange, as you may be eligible for disability benefits.
However, navigating the VA claims process can be confusing, especially when on your own. The good news is that the VA has made it easier for Vietnam-era veterans to get the help they deserve, and having the support of an attorney who understands Agent Orance at Gang & Associates could help you secure benefits.
Disabling Conditions Linked to Agent Orange Exposure
The unfortunate reality for many veterans is that Agent Orange exposure can lead to a wide range of dangerous or deadly health conditions. The link between these diseases and Agent Orange exposure is so strong that the VA presumes anyone who develops these diseases developed them from their contact with the herbicide. Some of the most prominent examples include the following:
AL Amyloidosis
AL amyloidosis is a condition caused by bone marrow disorders, where the marrow creates abnormal proteins that would normally help the body fight infections or disease. Because they are malformed, they can build up in an organ or tissue, eventually damaging its ability to function.
Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer has also been linked to Agent Orange exposure. Veterans experiencing urinary leakage or renal dysfunction may find that their issues stem directly from a cancer diagnosis.
Ischemic Heart Disease
Ischemic heart disease is a condition that involves a reduction in blood flow to the heart. It often starts with symptoms like chest pain, heart attacks, and even heart failure. Studies have shown that veterans are far more likely to develop this condition following Agent Orange exposure.
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a devastating type of cancer that begins in a type of cell known as a lymphocyte. These cells are found in the lymph nodes as well as within the spleen. There are multiple types of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, most of which impact different parts of the body.
Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Another type of cancer linked to Agent Orange is soft tissue sarcoma. This condition can impact different types of body tissues, including blood, fat, and muscle. There are some types of soft tissue sarcoma that are not presumed to be linked to Agent Orange, however.
Eligibility Requirements for VA Disability: Our Attorneys with Knowledge of Agent Orange Explain
To qualify for VA disability benefits related to Agent Orange exposure, you must meet specific service and medical criteria. First, you need a current diagnosis of a condition the VA recognizes as linked to Agent Orange. These are called presumptive conditions, meaning the VA automatically assumes they were caused by exposure, so you don’t have to prove the connection.
Next, you must have served in a location where Agent Orange was used. This includes:
- Boots-on-the-ground service in Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975
- Service on inland waterways in Vietnam (Brown Water Navy)
- Service aboard certain U.S. Navy ships within 12 nautical miles of the coast
- Service in areas like the Korean DMZ or Thailand during the Vietnam era
You’ll need service records showing duty in these areas. If your service and diagnosis meet these criteria, you’re likely eligible for VA disability compensation.
How to File a VA Disability Claim for Agent Orange Exposure
Filing a VA disability claim for a condition linked to Agent Orange exposure can feel daunting at first. The good news is that the federal government already recognizes the hazardous effects of exposure to this chemical, and it is unnecessary to prove the link between your military service and your disability, assuming you are living with a qualifying condition.
That does not mean the process is simple or guaranteed to succeed. What it does mean is that there is one fewer potential roadblock between you and the benefits you deserve.
Gathering Medical Evidence
The first step in this process involves gathering medical evidence of your condition. This could come from a diagnosis through a VA medical center or a private healthcare provider. Important documents include treatment summaries, doctor notes, and test results.
Confirm Your Service in an Eligible Location
Because you are seeking benefits due to Agent Orange exposure, you will need proof that you served at a time and place where members of the military came into contact with the harmful substance. This could include service in Vietnam between 1962 and 1975, among other locations.
File the Claim
The next step is fairly obvious—you need to file the claim. This can be done in a few different ways. Some people prefer to submit a paper copy of the application by mail, while others visit their regional VA office to apply in person. It is also possible to submit an application online through the VA website. What matters most is that you include all necessary medical and service records along with the application itself.
Attend Any Required Exams
A common practice during this process is for the government to require you to complete a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam. While C&P exams are often unnecessary, the failure to attend one can lead to the rejection of your claim. It is vital that you not only attend when requested but also answer all questions truthfully. Downplaying the severity of your condition could have a detrimental effect on your case.
Learn How one our expert Agent Orange attorneys at Gang & Associates Can Help
Despite your best efforts, it is possible that the VA could deny your claim or give you an unreasonably low rating. This can be disappointing, but it is not the end of the process. You have the right to appeal, and Gang & Associates is here to help. Contact us as soon as possible for a private consultation with a skilled Agent Orange attorney.