🎖️ VALOR

A Navy Veteran with an Inspiring Story

In our latest video, Stephanie Ahumada, a former Navy corpsman, shares her journey of finally receiving the VA disability benefits she deserved.

After years of undercompensation and chronic pain, Stephanie found the help she needed to navigate the VA system. Her story highlights the importance of seeking expert assistance to ensure veterans get the benefits they are entitled to.

Watch her story to see how getting the right support made a difference for her and her family.

Attention: Were You or a Loved One Deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan between 2003-2017?

If you or your family member suffered injuries such as loss of limb, loss of eyesight, required surgeries due to blast impacts, or experienced severe traumatic brain injuries due to sniper, rocket mortar, EFP, or IED attacks, you might be entitled to compensation.

Don't suffer in silence. Our experts are ready to help fight for the justice you deserve.

Call us at (855) 494-1298 to learn more.

⚖️ EXPERTS

Understanding VA Disability Benefits for Agent Orange and Other Herbicides

During the Vietnam War, the military used various herbicides, including Agent Orange and others. These chemicals have left a lasting impact on many veterans. If you served in specific locations and periods, the VA recognizes certain health issues as service-connected due to this exposure.

Presumptive Conditions Linked to Agent Orange

The VA presumes certain conditions are caused by military service, particularly exposure to herbicides like Agent Orange. This means veterans can receive disability benefits without needing to prove a direct connection.

Conditions include:

• AL Amyloidosis: Amyloid proteins enter body tissues/organs.

• Bladder Cancer: Affects the bladder and surrounding areas.

• Chronic B-cell Leukemia: Includes all B-cell leukemias.

• Chloracne: Skin condition resembling acne, must be 10% disabling within a year of exposure.

• Diabetes Mellitus Type 2: High blood sugar levels and insulin response issues.

• Hypertension: High blood pressure.

• Hodgkin’s Disease: Cancer of the lymphatic system.

• Hypothyroidism: Underactive thyroid gland.

• Ischemic Heart Disease: Decreased blood supply to the heart.

• MGUS, Multiple Myeloma, Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: Various cancers affecting blood cells and lymphatic system.

• Parkinsonism and Parkinson’s Disease: Movement disorders.

• Peripheral Neuropathy, Early-Onset: Nerve damage, must be 10% disabling within a year.

• Porphyria Cutanea Tarda: Liver dysfunction and skin issues, must be 10% disabling within a year.

• Prostate Cancer: Common in men.

• Respiratory Cancers: Affecting lungs, larynx, trachea, or bronchus.

• Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Various cancers excluding osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma, and mesothelioma.

Eligibility for Agent Orange Benefits

To qualify for VA disability benefits for presumptive conditions, one of the following must apply:

• Served in Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975.

• Stationed near the Korean DMZ from September 1, 1967, to August 31, 1971.

• Served on U.S. military vessels in Vietnam’s inland waterways or coastal areas.

• Eligibility expanded under the Honoring Our PACT Act includes Thailand, Guam, and other locations that stored or tested herbicides.

Secondary Conditions and VA Ratings

Secondary conditions result from primary service-connected conditions, such as those related to Agent Orange. Identifying and claiming these can significantly increase your VA disability rating. 

Examples include:

• Heart Disease secondary to Hyperthyroidism

• Depression secondary to Cancer

• Sleep Apnea secondary to Parkinson’s Disease

• Kidney Failure secondary to Multiple Myeloma

• Peripheral Neuropathy secondary to Diabetes Mellitus Type II

Filing for Secondary Conditions

To file for secondary conditions, a veteran must:

1. Identify the connection between your primary service-connected condition and the secondary condition.

2. Gather medical records, doctor’s statements, and other evidence.

3. File your claim through the VA’s website or with a VA-accredited attorney or agent.

Additional Benefits and Considerations

• Special Monthly Compensation (SMC): For severe medical conditions requiring aid and attendance.

• Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU): Benefits at the 100% rate if you cannot maintain employment due to service-connected conditions.

• Benefits for Dependents and Survivors: Includes Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and Educational Assistance.

Watch our legal team discuss the history and impact of Agent Orange, who qualifies for VA benefits, and the conditions linked to herbicide exposure for Vietnam War veterans. Click below to learn more!

🗺️ TACTICS

VA Disability Benefits Trivia

Each week we ask a trivia question across platforms on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram, to test your knowledge on VA disability benefits.

Wanting the answer to last weeks question? Let’s recap…

Which type of evidence is crucial for proving service connection in a VA disability claim?

1. Assessing veterans' eligibility for VA loans

2. Determining the severity of a veteran’s disability for VA compensation

3. Calculating a veteran’s Social Security benefits

4. Providing educational resources for veterans

The correct answer was (2) Determining the severity of a veteran’s disability for VA compensation.

A DBQ is used by the VA to help determine the extent of a veteran's disability by collecting detailed medical information about the condition.

Now… take a shot at this weeks question and find out the answer next week! See you then.

🦅SUPPORT

One Veteran's Success in Winning a VA Disability Claim for Gulf War Skin Conditions

Note: All identifying info is fictitious to protect the identity of our client.

Summary of Claim

In a recent VA claim, a Gulf War veteran successfully secured service connection for chronic dermatitis. The veteran provided comprehensive medical evidence, service records confirming deployment to the Gulf region, and a dermatologist's statement linking the dermatitis to Gulf War service.

The Outcome

The veteran was granted service connection for chronic dermatitis linked to their Gulf War service.

Why Was This Claim Successful?

The veteran supported the claim with compelling evidence, including:

• Detailed medical records documenting the skin condition.

• Clear evidence of service in the Gulf War region.

• An expert medical opinion linking the condition to Gulf War service.

Gulf War veterans experiencing skin conditions should be aware of their rights and the benefits available to them.

Do you need help filing an appeal? Call us at (855) 494-1298.