Agent Orange Exposure and VA Disability Claims
Veterans exposed to Agent Orange have long reported many illnesses that they claimed were the result of Agent Orange exposure. Unfortunately, the VA disagreed with many of the veterans and had a very narrow view of the health problems that exposure to Agent Orange could cause until 1986.
In 1986, a class action lawsuit called Nehmer v. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ultimately resulted in a settlement that has forever changed how Agent Orange cases are treated. The VA now regularly recognizes conditions that are considered to be caused by exposure to Agent Orange. Having one of these conditions is automatically considered to be caused by Agent Orange exposure.
Additionally, the settlement states that veterans with one of the recognized conditions that were previously denied disability benefits can be awarded disability benefits, including back pay to the time of the initial claim. Further, the families of deceased veterans meeting this criteria can now receive benefits.
If you, your deceased spouse, or parent fall within this category, don’t wait. Take steps to have the VA claim approved.
There are many conditions that are now considered to be caused by Agent Orange. Presumptive conditions are:
- Acute and Subacute Peripheral Neuropathy
- AL Amyloidosis
- Bronchus Cancer
- Chronic B-Cell Leukemia
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
- Hodgkin’s Disease
- Ischemic Heart Disease
- Larynx Cancer
- Lung Cancer
- Multiple Myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Porphyria Cutanea Tarda
- Prostate Cancer
- Soft-tissue Sarcoma
- Trachea Cancer
- Type 2 Diabetes
John and Melanie Holliman are both accredited VA attorneys who are ready to help you with your VA claim if:
- You, your deceased spouse, or parent had any of these conditions and was denied benefits
- You have any of these condition and have not applied for benefits.