On Friday, Feb. 9, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced its plans to expand eligibility for Agent Orange disability benefits to Vietnam-era veterans who served at 129 locations in the U.S. during specific time frames, as well as parts of Canada and India.
VA officials also announced plans to expand eligibility for veterans who were sickened by herbicides used after World War II in the Demilitarized Zone in Korea during the 1950s and in areas off the shores of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.
“This proposed change would make it easier for Veterans exposed to herbicides who served outside Vietnam to access the benefits they so rightly deserve,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough in a press release. “Our goal is to provide every Veteran – of every era – with the VA health care and benefits they deserve, and this is another step in the right direction.”
What does this mean for veterans?
- More veterans are presumed exposed: The VA wants to add areas in the U.S., Canada, and India to the list of places where veterans are likely to have been exposed. This applies to veterans who served there during specific times.
- Easier to get benefits: If you served in one of these areas and have cancer or a long-term health problem that could be linked to Agent Orange, the VA might make it simpler to prove your case and get the help you need.
- Part of a bigger effort: This is just one step in the ongoing effort by the government to help veterans affected by harmful exposures. The VA has already expanded benefits for hundreds of conditions, making it the biggest expansion of veteran care ever.
Here’s what to do now:
If you suspect that you may have been exposed, and if you served in the U.S., Canada, or India and are experiencing health issues that could be connected to Agent Orange exposure, it’s important to stay informed about the situation.
You can visit the VA website, use a specific VA form (21-526EZ), or get assistance from a veterans’ organization or your state Veterans Affairs Office. They can help you navigate the initial claim process.
If you’re the survivor of a veteran who died from a health condition linked to Agent Orange exposure, you might also be eligible for benefits.
Have you previously been denied VA benefits related to Agent Orange? Contact the Cameron Firm, PC today for a free consultation.
While Cameron Firm, PC doesn’t handle initial claims, we’re here to help veterans with their appeals if their claim is denied. If you have questions about the appeals process or Agent Orange exposure, contact us for a free consultation once you’ve received a decision from the VA.
Remember: This information is not legal advice. Please consult with an attorney to discuss your specific situation.