Did you know that you or a loved one may be eligible for VA benefits due to exposure to herbicides even if you served in areas other than Vietnam?
Serving Outside of Vietnam
Herbicides were used to provide perimeter base control on bases in Vietnam and Thailand, along the Ho Chi Min Trail and near the Demilitarized Zone in Korea beginning in September of 1967. Testing and storage of these herbicides also occurred at various locations in the United States and foreign locations.
If a veteran can establish that he or she was exposed to herbicides on a direct basis, VA will apply the presumption of nexus granted to diseases associated with herbicide exposure.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-562-9830
Serving in Vietnam
Of course, Veterans who served during active military, naval, or air service in the Republic of Vietnam during the period beginning January 9, 1962 and ending May 7, 1975 may qualify for a presumption of exposure to herbicide agents. The Republic of Vietnam includes the land mass of Vietnam and its inland waterways.
Proving Exposure
Regardless of location, establishing evidence that a veteran had exposure is the first hurdle to acquiring benefits.
Evidence of “boots on the ground” might include:
- Veteran’s military records,
- Service treatment records (STR),
- Deck logs and/or
- Ship newsletters, cruise books, buddy statements or photographs.
Veterans who served on “brown” water are eligible for a presumption of service connection for any disability recognized as associated with exposure to herbicides even if they did not have “boots on the ground.
For more information about VA benefits for veterans exposed to herbicides and for information on how to pursue a claim, visit our website at disabilitydenials.com and speak to one of our veterans disability attorneys.
Call or text 800-562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
