After more than four decades, thousands of forgotten veterans who suffered from the effects of Agent Orange and other toxic herbicides are finally getting the VA health benefits they deserve.
During the Vietnam War, U.S. Forces used powerful herbicides in an attempt to remove ground cover and crops which could aid Viet Cong and North Vietnamese soldiers. More than 20 million gallons of various herbicides were spread over Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia during an ongoing military mission codenamed Operation Ranch Hand.
Veterans who served with active military, naval, or air service in the Republic of Vietnam from January 9, 1962 to May 7, 1975, have been granted a presumption of service connection. This means that for VA disability cases the VA must assume that veterans who served in certain locations and during certain time periods were exposed to toxic chemicals like Agent Orange. These veterans no longer have to provide proof of an in-service event, injury, or illness that led to their disabilities which removes some of the obstacles associated with filing a VA disability claim.
The PACT Act of 2022 may be the most significant law benefiting veterans in a generation. Among other provisions it expands the presumption of herbicide exposure to veterans who had active military, naval or air service in additional locations including Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Johnson Atoll, Guam and American Samoa during the Vietnam War era. However, the PACT Act only covers those who served during specific time periods. For the exact details on dates and locations, please visit our website cuddigan law dot com and search PACT Act.
And while you are on our website I invite you to download our free booklet. “Exposed to Agent Orange? How Vietnam Era Veterans Can Still Win VA Compensation” will give you a comprehensive understanding of how you can be awarded VA disability benefits.
If you have previously been turned down by the VA for a service-connected disability including those disabilities related to Agent Orange exposure and you believe the denial was unfair, you have the right to appeal and you have the right to have an attorney represent you. At Cuddigan Law you have a dedicated team of professionals in your corner who understand the system and who will fight for your rights. Give us a call or send us an email to arrange a free evaluation of your situation.
