If you’re one of the many veterans who was exposed to Agent Orange during military service, you may have also experienced chronic health problems. Skin rashes, chronic pain, Type 2 Diabetes, respiratory issues, and peripheral neuropathy are just some of the identified disorders that are known side effects of Agent Orange and other powerful herbicides deployed during the Vietnam War.
The VA presumes that an individual who Veterans who served anywhere in Vietnam from 01/09/1962 to 05/07/1975 are presumed to be exposed to these harsh chemicals.
Were You Exposed?
The VA lists on its website where exposure could have occurred during your service tenure. You’re presumed to have exposure if you served:
- On C-123 Airplanes, between 1/9/1962 and 05/07/1975
- On Thailand Military Bases, between 01/09/1962 and 05/07/1975
- In Vietnam or Korea, between 01/09/1962 and 05/07/1975
- Outside of Vietnam or Korea, between 01/09/1962 and 05/07/1975
- In Testing and Storage Areas Outside of Vietnam, between 1944 and a yet-to-be-determined date
- On U.S. Navy and Coast Guard Ships in Vietnam, between 01/09/1962 and 05/07/1975
- In waters in or near Vietnam, between 01/09/1962 and 05/07/1975
Long Term Disability
You may have already applied to the VA for benefits due to AO exposure. But if you’re now working in a civilian occupation and are having issues with a service-related medical condition, long-term disability may be a possibility.
If you are facing disability, the first thing to do is request and review your LTD policy. Your coverage specifically depends on what your policy says. Some policies may specifically exclude military service-connected conditions, or call them “injuries or illnesses sustained due to an act of war.” It’s important to know before applying if your policy will cover you or not. Illnesses after AO exposure may also be considered “pre-existing conditions,” excluding them from LTD.
But if your service-related exposure did not manifest, such as cancer, until long after your service career ended, you may need a re-evaluation by a medical professional. Many conditions may occur during the service, but don’t exhibit symptoms until much later, interfering with your ability to work now.
You should also find out if your LTD policy contains an “offset” clause. That is, if you are receiving VA benefits for a disability related to AO exposure, your insurance company may reduce your LTD payments by the amount you receive from the VA or other sources (such as SSDI.)
You should also anticipate that your insurance company will work hard to deny your claim any way it can. This is where an experienced disability attorney can help defend you against an insurance company’s “bad faith” actions.
Resources For AO Veterans
The website for the Vietnam Veterans Of America offers information and resources for veterans, including an entire section on Agent Orange. Included are brochures on veterans health, including a self-help guide to Agent Orange exposure.
The VA also offers additional information about Agent Orange exposure on its website.
We Help Houston Veterans
Long-term disability can be a difficult process. William Herren is a disability attorney who has helped more than 4,000 Houstonians get the benefits they deserve, including veterans. Call The Herren Law Firm today at 713-682-8194 (or use our online contact form) to schedule your free consultation. There’s no obligation, and we’ll take your case on a contingency fee basis, with no up-front charges. You don’t owe a fee until we win your case.
