Veterans may be eligible for disability compensation and health care benefits for diseases associated with Agent Orange, an herbicide widely used during the Vietnam War. More than 100,000 veterans were exposed to herbicides while in Vietnam and may now qualify for benefits. You should consider calling an attorney who is familiar with VA disability claims for Agent Orange.
Agent Orange received its name from the orange identifying stripe on the gallon drums in which it was stored and was used during Operation Ranch Hand to remove trees that provided enemy cover. The U.S. Department of Defense developed these herbicides to be used in combat operation, but they gave off an unwanted byproduct known as the dioxin TCDD. This dioxin is the most toxic of the dioxins and is considered a human carcinogen.
Agent Orange dries quickly and is no longer harmful once it breaks down. However, the effects of the chemical while it is still toxic can be long-term and severe. Certain cancers and other health issues have been associated with exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides. If you served in Vietnam or anywhere else where you were exposed to Agent Orange, you may be entitled to VA disability benefits.
To obtain disability compensation for agent orange exposure, a Vietnam veteran must present a medical diagnosis of a disease that the VA recognizes as being associated with Agent Orange and show evidence of service in Vietnam. There is a long list of veterans’ diseases associated with Agent Orange exposure, including:
Veterans who have served anywhere in Vietnam between January 9, 1962 to May 7, 1965 are considered to have been exposed to herbicides and do not have to prove a link between their disease and military service, which speeds up the process for claiming benefits.
Benefits that you may qualify for include:
Dependents of exposed Veterans may also be eligible to receive benefits. These include those who are biological children of Vietnam vets who have birth defects as well as spouses of living veterans. Surviving spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents of exposed Veterans who died as a result of exposure may qualify for compensation.
If you have been exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides, have health issues as a result, and believe that you are eligible for VA disability benefits, get in touch with our firm. An experienced attorney can guide you through the VA disability claims process for Agent Orange and give you the best chance of success.
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