Is Agent Orange a service connected disability?
Due to the Agent Orange Act of 1991, the VA now acknowledges certain cancers and other diseases as caused by Agent Orange. This means that veterans with these recognized diseases can qualify for disability compensation under “presumptive service connection.” However, many special rules apply.
What are presumptive service connection claims?
What is “Presumptive” Service Connection? VA presumes that certain disabilities were caused by military service. This is because of the unique circumstances of a specific Veteran’s military service. If a presumed condition is diagnosed in a Veteran within a certain group, they can be awarded disability compensation.
Is CLL and Agent Orange presumptive?
One illness, Chronic B-cell leukemia, is a form of cancer that is frequently associated with Agent Orange exposure. In fact, the illness is so common among Veterans exposed to agent orange that it warrants presumptive service connection.
Can hypothyroidism be service connected?
Receiving a Presumptive Service Connection for Hypothyroidism. operate under the assumption that their condition is the result of their military service. They will only need to document their diagnosis and specific symptoms to begin receiving VA disability benefits.
How do you prove service connected disability?
You prove service connection of your disability by showing what is called “continuity of symptomatology“: that you have had continuous symptoms of your disability from service to diagnosis. You can prove a claim like this using only lay evidence – you do not need to provide a medical expert opinion.
What is presumptive exposure to Agent Orange?
And we assume that Veterans who served in certain locations were exposed to Agent Orange. We refer to this as presumptive exposure. When sound medical and scientific evidence shows that an illness is caused by Agent Orange exposure, we add it to our list of presumptive diseases.
What is a “presumptive” service connection?
Presumptive Disability Benefits . What is “Presumptive” Service Connection? VA presumes that certain disabilities were caused by military service. This is because of the unique circumstances of a specific Veteran’s military service. If a presumed condition is diagnosed in a Veteran in a certain group, they can be awarded disability compensation.
Can veterans exposed to Agent Orange apply for service connection?
These veterans can still apply for service connection on a direct basis but must prove first that they were exposed to herbicides during service, and that their current condition is related to their exposure to Agent Orange.
Can I get disability compensation for Agent Orange exposure?
Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange may have certain related illnesses. If you have an illness caused by exposure to Agent Orange during military service, read below to find out if you may be eligible for disability compensation and how to apply. This expands benefits for Veterans and survivors with these presumptive conditions: