Agent Orange Compensation
Traveling abroad with the military during times of war brings with it the possibility of being exposed to herbicides, pesticides, and other toxic chemicals not used within the United States. One herbicide in particular that has had seriously harmful effects on those exposed to it in the military is Agent Orange.
What Is Agent Orange?
Agent Orange is the name for a blend of herbicides used on trees and vegetation that were believed to have provided cover for enemy forces. During the war, millions of gallons of Agent Orange were dispersed onto the vegetation and trees throughout Vietnam, and many American troops were exposed to the toxic chemical’s harmful effects.
However, the effects of Agent Orange exposure take many years to develop, and some troops may just be developing symptoms of diseases connected with the chemical exposure.
How Can I Prove the Effect of Agent Orange?
The Veterans Administration has recognized that many American soldiers in each branch of the military stationed in Vietnam were exposed to the harmful effects of Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. If you are a veteran with a condition caused by your exposure to the herbicide, you may be eligible for VA disability benefits.
There are three requirements established by the VA to prove your Agent Orange-based disability claim. These include:
- Medical diagnosis of a disease which the VA recognizes as being associated with Agent Orange such as:
- Acute and Subacute Peripheral Neuropathy
- AL Amyloidosis
- Chloracne
- Chronic B-cell Leukemias
- Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2)
- Hodgkin’s Disease
- Ischemic Heart Disease
- Multiple Myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Prophyria Cutanea Tarda
- Prostate Cancer
- Respiratory Cancer
- Soft Tissue Sarcoma
- Competent evidence of service in Vietnam (where the likelihood of exposure was the greatest)
- Competent medical evidence that the disease began within the deadline
If you meet these requirements, you can apply for disability benefits from the VA designed to help you live a healthy, functional life with your disability.
Who Can Qualify for Agent Orange Compensation?
Veterans who have served in Vietnam between 1962 and 1975 or Korea between September 1, 1967 to August 31, 1971 are believed to have been exposed to Agent Orange. If they have developed a condition that the VA recognizes as being associated with the effects of Agent Orange, they may be eligible for service-connected disability benefits.
Contact Our Veteran’s Rights Attorneys
At The Standridge Law Firm, P.C., our veteran’s disability benefits lawyers are dedicated to helping you fight for the veteran’s rights and disability compensation you deserve for your exposure to Agent Orange. If your claim for Agent Orange compensation has been denied by the VA, contact us to discuss your case and fight for the benefits you deserve!