Hey everyone, I heard that I might be eligible for benefits because of my service in Vietnam. Something about Agent Orange compensation? I live in Matteson, IL, and this would be my first time applying for anything like this. Anyone know where to start or what I should do?
Yeah, if you served in Vietnam between 1962 and 1975, the VA assumes you were exposed to Agent Orange. Have you checked the list of health conditions they recognize?
Yani said:
Yeah, if you served in Vietnam between 1962 and 1975, the VA assumes you were exposed to Agent Orange. Have you checked the list of health conditions they recognize?
No, I haven’t looked at the list yet. Do you know where I can find it?
Yani said:
Yeah, if you served in Vietnam between 1962 and 1975, the VA assumes you were exposed to Agent Orange. Have you checked the list of health conditions they recognize?
For sure! You can find it on the VA’s website. They update it pretty often, so make sure to check the current version.
You’ll need to gather medical records, service records, and anything else that supports your claim. Have you seen a VA-accredited representative or VSO?
Nova said:
You’ll need to gather medical records, service records, and anything else that supports your claim. Have you seen a VA-accredited representative or VSO?
No, I haven’t. What’s a VSO?
Nova said:
You’ll need to gather medical records, service records, and anything else that supports your claim. Have you seen a VA-accredited representative or VSO?
It’s a Veterans Service Organization. They help vets with stuff like this. They can guide you through the process, and it’s usually free.
FYI, the process can take a while. Be ready for the VA to ask for extra info or do exams. Stay on top of it!
Dru said:
FYI, the process can take a while. Be ready for the VA to ask for extra info or do exams. Stay on top of it!
Thanks for the heads-up! I’ll make sure to keep track of everything.
If you were diagnosed with diabetes or certain cancers, that could strengthen your claim. Have you been diagnosed with anything on their list?
juris said:
If you were diagnosed with diabetes or certain cancers, that could strengthen your claim. Have you been diagnosed with anything on their list?
Not yet, but I’ll talk to my doctor about it. Thanks for the tip!
You can file online, by mail, or with the help of a VSO. Filing online is probably the fastest way to get started.
Uma said:
You can file online, by mail, or with the help of a VSO. Filing online is probably the fastest way to get started.
Good to know! I’ll look into filing online. Appreciate the advice!