The Vietnam War left an indelible mark on Southeast Asia, not only in Vietnam but also in neighboring countries like Cambodia. The U.S. military’s strategic operations included spraying Agent Orange and herbicides to disrupt enemy supply lines, particularly the Ho Chi Minh Trail, which extended into Cambodian territory. Many of these operations were classified, keeping the full extent of herbicide use hidden for decades.
In recent years, new legislation (such as the PACT Act) and the documentation of Agent Orange use in Cambodia has opened the door for some veterans to gain benefits for toxic exposure. Veterans who served in specific areas of Cambodia during defined periods may now qualify for presumptive VA disability benefits.
Who Qualifies for Presumptive Agent Orange Exposure?
The Honoring Our PACT Act, signed into law in 2022, provides presumptive service connection for certain diseases to veterans who served in Cambodia at Mimot or Krek, Kampong Cham Province, between April 16, 1969, and April 30, 1969. These veterans do not need to prove a medical link between their service and their medical condition.
Veterans who served in other parts of Cambodia or outside these dates are not automatically presumed exposed and must prove their direct exposure to Agent Orange.
List of Presumptive Conditions
- AL Amyloidosis
- Bladder Cancer: Added to the presumptive list by Congress at the end of 2020.
- Chronic B-cell Leukemias
- Chloracne
- Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
- Hodgkin’s Disease
- Hypertension: High blood pressure with diastolic pressure of 100+ or systolic pressure of 160+.
- Hypothyroidism: Added to the presumptive list by the 2020 NDAA.
- Ischemic Heart Disease: Conditions where the heart receives insufficient blood, including Coronary Artery Disease, angina, myocardial infarction, and sudden cardiac death.
- Monoclonal Gammopathy
- Multiple Myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Parkinson’s-like Symptoms: Symptoms such as tremors and muscle stiffness that resemble Parkinson’s Disease but are not formally diagnosed as such. Added to the presumptive list by the 2020 NDAA.
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Porphyria Cutanea Tarda
- Prostate Cancer
- Respiratory Cancers: Including lung cancer and other cancers of the respiratory system.
- Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Cancers of the soft tissues such as muscles, fat, and connective tissues. The VA excludes osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma and mesothelioma from this list.
VA Benefits for Veterans and Families
In recognition of the severe impact of herbicide exposure, the VA offers a range of benefits designed to provide comprehensive support and compensation. These benefits provide much-needed support and compensation for veterans and their dependents.
- Disability Compensation: Monthly payments based on the severity of the condition.
- Healthcare Services: Access to VA healthcare facilities and services.
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): Monthly payments to surviving dependents.
- Education and Training Programs: Support for the education and training of veterans and their families.
Applying for Benefits
Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange and other herbicides must go through the following process to claim VA benefits:
- Obtain a Diagnosis: Medical records must confirm a current medical condition linked to herbicide exposure.
- Gather Documentation: Collect necessary documents such as service records showing the veteran’s presence in Cambodia.
- Submit a Claim: File a claim with the VA, either online or through a VA office.
- Wait for VA Review: The VA reviews the claim and may ask for additional information or require a medical exam.
- Receive a Decision: The VA will inform the applicant of their decision once the review is complete. If denied, the veteran has the right to appeal. (For appeals, we recommend seeking assistance from an Agent Orange lawyer.)
Don’t Meet the Presumptive Criteria? You Still Have Options
If you served in Cambodia outside the April 1969 window, or in other locations not covered under the PACT Act, you can still pursue a claim by providing proof of actual exposure to herbicides and a medical nexus letter from a qualified physician linking your condition to that exposure.
This is known as a direct service connection claim, and while more complex, it is still a viable path. Consider reaching out to a VA representative or a legal expert specializing in veterans’ benefits. If you or a loved one served in Cambodia and are experiencing health issues related to Agent Orange exposure, you can and should seek compensation. Your service and sacrifice should be honored with the care and support you need.
Master the VA Disability Claims Process
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