Agent Orange was an herbicide used to clear plants and trees during the Vietnam War Era. Agent Orange was also used near the Korean DMZ and in certain related jobs during the Vietnam War era. Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange and have developed a medical issue that is on the VA list of medical conditions associated with Agent Orange may be entitled to extensive financial compensation.
Many veterans may not realize that they are eligible for this benefit because over the years the VA has expanded the list of medical conditions that are now associated with Agent Orange exposure. The medical issues on the VA’s Agent Orange list include:
- AL amyloidosis
- chloracne, early-onset
- chronic B-cell leukemia
- Hodgkin’s disease
- ischemic heart disease
- lung and trachea cancers
- multiple myeloma
- non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Parkinson’s Disease
- peripheral neuropathy
- porphyria cutanea tarda
- prostate cancer
- soft tissue sarcomas, and
- type 2 diabetes
If a veteran develops one of the above diseases and served in Vietnam between 1962 and 1975 or in the Korean DMZ between 1968 and 1971, then the VA will presume the disease is a result of exposure to agent orange. This can make it much easier to get disability compensation from the VA.
Benefits that a veteran could receive include health care benefits, financial compensation, and an Agent Orange Registry health exam. If you think you may fall under the category of veterans who developed a disease as a result of Agent Orange exposure then you would need to file a claim for disability compensation and submit you supporting documents to be used as evidence. If you have any questions about this process you can reach out to a VA attorney or similar professional and have them assist you with your claim.
Like always, if you have any questions or would like to explore your eligibility for these programs or any other Elder Care law issues, call 856-281-3131. We’d be glad to help ease your stress and form the plan that is right for you.