The toxic herbicide Agent Orange caused serious health conditions for millions of Vietnam veterans. Survivors of these veterans may be eligible for various benefits, including monthly payments and medical care.

New evidence about the link between this herbicide and various illnesses is being released regularly. The experienced attorneys can help you gather proof to win your case.

Survivors Pension

The spouse of a deceased veteran exposed to Agent Orange who died of a service-connected disability or disease may be eligible for benefits. These include a monthly disability payment and medical care. Surviving spouses can also receive education and training benefits. Unmarried children of veterans are also eligible for educational and vocational training benefits. This includes biological children and same-sex spouses who are legally married or in a deemed marriage for at least one year. It is important to have a qualified nexus letter to support your claims. This is a statement from a medical expert who has reviewed your current diagnosis, your VA claims file and evidence of Agent Orange Exposure. The nexus letter will be the basis for the presumptive link between your illness and Agent Orange exposure. A medical expert can help you navigate the process of obtaining a nexus letter. The medical expert must understand Agent Orange, herbicide exposure, and your specific illness.

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

If a surviving spouse or child cannot support themselves, they may be eligible for DIC. This benefit isn’t the same as service-connected disability benefits. Instead, it is a form of compensation. Eligible survivors include surviving spouses, children and parents dependent on the Veteran. Under changes made by the PACT Act, a surviving spouse can be awarded DIC if their Veteran died from a presumptive condition like diabetes type 2, ischemic heart disease and others presumed to be related to Agent Orange exposure. To qualify for this benefit, you must provide medical proof indicating the link between the Veteran’s death and their service-related condition. In addition, the Veteran’s name must be posthumously registered in the Agent Orange Registry to establish their exposure. This is crucial for obtaining benefits. More information about this requirement is on the VA’s official page.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Benefits

When it comes to traumatic brain injury (TBI), the consequences can be life-changing. These injuries can cause symptoms like recurring headaches, dizziness, problems with balance and walking, memory loss, difficulty thinking, and more. Although many conditions listed in the presumptive service connection list are associated with Agent Orange exposure, this does not mean a Veteran cannot qualify for benefits if their diagnosis isn’t on that list. In these cases, medical evidence can be used to show that the current disease or condition is related to their service and was caused by Agent Orange exposure. This nexus report can be submitted through VA Form 21-4138, linked above. This must be signed by a medical professional who has reviewed your claims file, including your service and post-service treatment records and thinks that your non-presumptive condition is connected to your benefit. Hiring these experts is expensive; a reputable attorney can leverage their resources to engage one on your behalf.

Birth Defects

The toxin in Agent Orange, called dioxin, messed with the reproductive systems of those exposed. Studies have shown that biological children born to mothers and fathers who served in Vietnam or the Korean demilitarized zone can be impacted with birth defects, including spina bifida, mental disabilities, cleft palates and hernias. Survivors who qualify can receive financial compensation. For veterans to be considered for Agent Orange benefits, they must have been exposed to the herbicide during military service. The VA will then evaluate the medical condition to determine its severity. This rating will determine how much the survivor will receive in monthly payments.

New evidence is constantly being released regarding the link between Agent Orange exposure and various diseases. Don’t give up on your claim if you think Agent Orange could have caused your condition. A reputable law firm can help you file a claim or appeal your VA decision.