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Physical Injuries
- Disabling Illnesses Common to the Gulf War Veteran (Part B)
- Disabling Illnesses Common to the Gulf War Veteran (Part A)
- How Department of Veterans Affairs Agent Orange Cases are Handled (Part B)
- How Department of Veterans Affairs Agent Orange Cases are Handled (Part A)
- Disabling Effects of Agent Orange on Vietnam Veterans (Part B)
Disabling Effects of Agent Orange on Vietnam Veterans (Part B)
VA Care for the Effects of Agent Orange on Vietnam Veterans
In the 50+ years that have elapsed since the Vietnam War began, doctors are still learning about the many afflictions linked to Agent Orange exposure. The number of Agent Orange veterans continues to grow as more are diagnosed with medical conditions connected to the exposure.
The VA has created an Agent Orange Registry where veterans apply to be approved for disability compensation and health care benefits.
To qualify for disability compensation, a veteran must have served in Vietnam, Korea, or Thailand during certain timeframes. The exam collects exposure and medical history, laboratory tests, and a physical.
This is only the first step in the long process for Agent Orange Vietnam veterans to obtain health care coverage. The registry exam only provides basic information about their current condition and doesn't confirm exposure to Agent Orange or link any illnesses to the exposure.
Agent Orange Vietnam Veterans May Find it Harder to Obtain Disability
It can often be more difficult for Agent Orange veterans to obtain a proper disability rating through the VA because their condition must be proven as disabling and that it was caused by Agent Orange exposure.
A veteran can increase their chances at a confirmed disability rating for health benefits by having an Independent Medical Exam (IME). These exams aren't run through the VA system and are therefore not always an option to veterans without the financial means to pay for them.
The effects of Agent Orange on Vietnam veterans have been shown to lead to the following developments:
- skin conditions;
- Hodgkin's Disease;
- several cancers;
- Parkinson's Disease;
- Ischemic Heart Disease; and
- type 2 diabetes.
With many of these conditions already causing an emotional, physical and financial strain on veterans and their families, many need additional help to obtain their rightful benefits.
You Have the Power to Help a Disabled American Veteran!
Medical evidence is a critical component in the successful fight for veteran's disability benefits. Unfortunately, many veterans lack the financial resources to obtain an independent medical exam (IME) that can provide this crucial evidence. These deserving men and women are left to rely on the VA medical system, which may not always provide the best assessment of their conditions.
At Care for Disabled Veterans we focus on connecting qualified veterans to doctors and health care facilities that provide IME services for disability claims. We are a non-profit organization that relies on donations to help provide the funding necessary to obtain these records and help disabled American veterans qualify for combat-related disability benefits.
Want to make a difference in a disabled veteran's life? Give a secure online donation to Care for Disabled Veterans. Or call 1-877-617-2170 to contact us directly. Order our free veterans and caregivers guide to learn more about who we are, what we do and why we care.
