Texas veterans who may have been exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War should be aware that new presumptive conditions related to the herbicide use have been recognized by the federal government. If exposed to Agent Orange during a specific time frame, you may be able to claim disability benefits.
What is Agent Orange?
Agent Orange is an herbicide used by the military during the Vietnam War era. The purpose for its use was to eliminate food sources and cover for the North Vietnamese military and Viet Cong. Along with its detrimental effects on the environment, Agent Orange also has adverse health effects on exposed individuals.
Diseases caused by Agent Orange exposure
The most recent diseases added to the list of presumptive conditions thought to be caused by Agent Orange exposure include bladder cancer, Parkinsonism and hypothyroidism. Other cancers already allowed for VA disability benefits due to Agent Orange exposure include:
- Multiple myeloma
- Hodgkin’s disease
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Chronic B-cell leukemia
- Lung and other respiratory cancers
- Prostate cancer
The following diseases are also considered presumptive conditions of Agent Orange exposure:
- Ischemic heart disease
- Diabetes mellitus type 2
- Peripheral neuropathy
- AL amyloidosis
- Chloracne
- Parkinson’s disease
- Porphyria cutanea tarda
What to do if you contract one of the presumptive conditions
It can be difficult to determine your next move when facing a potentially debilitating disease. An attorney with experience in veteran’s benefit claims can be a useful guide through your next steps, whether that is appealing a denied benefits claim or answering questions about a current claim.
As a veteran, you may be able to claim certain VA disability benefits related to Agent Orange exposure. If you served on the ground in Vietnam, on a ship in inland waters or at one of the Thailand bases with US Army installations between January 1962 through May 1975 and contracted one of the presumptive conditions, you should immediately file a claim with your local VA.