Agent Orange was an important part of the United States’ tactics in Vietnam. Altogether, the U.S. sprayed more than 19 million gallons of it and other herbicides throughout all four military zones of Vietnam.
Agent Orange use was so widespread that veterans who served during the Vietnam era were probably exposed to it. In fact, the VA will presume that you were exposed to Agent Orange if you served in Vietnam or on a ship in one of Vietnam’s inland waterways. Agent Orange and other herbicides were also used during the Korean War, and were stored on military bases in the United States as well.
PACT Act Extends Presumption of Exposure to 5 New Countries/Territories
The August 2022 Honoring Our PACT Act is the biggest veterans benefits bill in history and the first to comprehensively address toxic exposures. The bill extends the presumption of service connection to Laos, Cambodia, Guam, American Samoa, and the Johnston Atoll. Agent Orange and other toxic herbicides were used in each of these countries/territories and around their waters, but the VA had previously asked for proof of service-connection. That extra burden of proof has been lifted. Thousands of veterans are eligible for the new benefits. Get up to speed on the latest Agent Orange Compensation news here.
What Are the 15 Diseases Associated With Agent Orange?
Because Agent Orange was used so heavily during this time and because it has caused so many serious health problems for veterans, the government presumes that 15 illnesses are service-connected for Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange:
- AL Amyloidosis
- Chronic B-Cell Leukemia
- Chloracne
- Diabetes Mellitus Type II
- Hodgkin’s Disease
- Hypertension – recently added by Honoring Our PACT Act of August 2022
- Ischemic Heart Disease (including Coronary Artery Disease, stable and unstable angina, myocardial infarction, and sudden cardiac death)
- Multiple Myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Peripheral Neuropathy, Early-Onset
- Porphyria Cutanea Tarda
- Prostate Cancer
- Respiratory Cancers, including Lung Cancer
- Soft Tissue Sarcomas (other than osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma, and mesothelioma)
If you have been diagnosed with one of the diseases above, you may be eligible for disability compensation.
At The Rep For Vets, our highly qualified VA-accredited claims agents will work hard to get you the VA disability compensation you are entitled to. We serve veterans throughout the United States and territories, and are dedicated to achieving the best possible results. Get in touch today to schedule a 100% free consultation.
Blue Water Navy Veterans and Agent Orange Exposure
Historically, VA has excluded Blue Water Navy veterans from its presumption of herbicide agent exposure. However, in January 2019 a federal court issued a decision that includes Blue Water Navy veterans under the presumption of exposure. As a result, as many as 90,000 Blue Water Navy veterans are now eligible for disability payments from the VA, and have an easier path to getting the benefits they deserve.
Related: Understanding the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019
Thousands of Vets Already Get Compensation for Agent Orange Exposure
According to the United States government, thousands of veterans already receive VA disability compensation for Agent Orange-related illnesses. If you believe that your illness or disability is related to Agent Orange exposure, do not hesitate to talk with one of our VA-accredited claims agents about your options. Consultations are free and confidential.
Denied Benefits? Get Help With Your Appeal!
Many veterans turn to lawyers or advocates for help with their disability claims, but your best choice is almost certainly our VA-accredited claims agents. We know the system and will fight for your interests and dignity.
Call (888) 573-7838 or use fill out a quick contact form to talk about how Agent Orange exposure has impacted your long-term health. No matter where you are, our claims agents can help you secure the benefits (and backpay) you earned.
