VA Announces Great News for Early Vietnam Veterans (and Their Survivors) Affected by Agent Orange

The Veterans Administration announced that it will begin reviewing previously denied claims for disability for a specific category of Veterans arising from their service during the early years of the Vietnam Conflict.  These veterans are known as the Blue Water Navy Veterans.  These soldiers were denied service-connected disability compensation because they did not have “boots on the ground” in Vietnam.  Yet, these veterans were still exposed to Agent Orange while serving on ships off the coast of Vietnam and Cambodia.  It is presumed that many diseases and conditions suffered by Veterans later in life were caused from this exposure to the deadly herbicide.  Consequently, if the disease or condition appeared on the list, then the veteran’s disability is presumed to be connected to this service.  The amount of compensation to be paid is then determined on the basis of the severity of the service-connected disability.  This new process of readjudication of previously denied claims will also apply to the survivors of deceased Vietnam era Veterans to ensure that all Veterans and their survivors receive the benefits they earned.  Find out more through the link below:

https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/agent-orange/

Recent Articles

Child Support Impacts SSI Benefit

Child Support Impacts SSI Benefit

When parents with a disabled child gets divorced, often child support is awarded. In fact, child support can be awarded through the divorce to continue on much longer than which is awarded for a child without disabilities. This award of child support is both good and...

Why Estate Plans Need Dementia-Specific Advance Directives

Why Estate Plans Need Dementia-Specific Advance Directives

Advance directives are an estate planning must-have, helping to guide medical decisions for someone who becomes incapacitated and can no longer communicate their preferences. However, they may not be helpful for patients who develop dementia and gradually lose the...

The Medicare Open Enrollment Period Is Almost Here!

The Medicare Open Enrollment Period Is Almost Here!

Are you prepared for the Medicare Open Enrollment period? It is an essential time for beneficiaries to review and adjust their healthcare plans. This annual window, which runs from October 15th to December 7th, allows you to make changes to your Medicare coverage. In...

Shining a Light on Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Shining a Light on Down Syndrome Awareness Month

October is a special month dedicated to raising awareness about Down Syndrome, a chromosomal condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Down Syndrome Awareness Month provides a platform for advocates, families, and communities to come together and...