Compensation Service expanded and updated the Intranet ships list website: http://vba.vba.va.gov/bl/21/rating/docs/shiplist.doc located at the Vietnam Era Navy Ship Agent Orange Exposure Development Site under “Rating Job Aids”. (Remember, you have to be inside VA’s firewall to access this website.) The website now includes additional ships based on evidence documenting inland waterway travel, shore/pier docking, or close coastal offshore operations with small boats and/or crew members going ashore. This website serves as a development tool for claims from veterans who served aboard ships operating on the offshore “blue water” of Vietnam. Development procedures are explained in Training Letter (TL) 10-06, Adjudicating…
Vietnam-era Veterans whose service involved duty on or near the perimeters of military bases in Thailand anytime between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975 may have been exposed to herbicides and may qualify for VA benefits. The following Veterans may have been exposed to herbicides: U.S. Air Force Veterans who served on Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) bases at U-Tapao, Ubon, Nakhon Phanom, Udorn, Takhli, Korat, and Don Muang, near the air base perimeter anytime between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975. U.S. Army Veterans who provided perimeter security on RTAF bases in Thailand anytime between February 28,…
The President of Senior Life Care Planning is David Wingate, an Accredited VA attorney, who is experienced in navigating the intricate claims process for VA benefits. Our blog provides answers to questions that veterans and their families may have with regards to non-service connected pension, disability compensation, and a variety of other VA benefits. Additionally, we educate veterans about new VA benefits they may not be aware of, such as compensation now available to many Vietnam veterans that were exposed to Agent Orange and who have Parkinson's disease, ischemic heart disease, and chronic B cell leukemia. We also provide information…
NBC explains Agent Orange and the process to file a claim – Vietnam Veterans Exposed to Agent Orange Are you a Vietnam Veteran who suffers with (or the loved one of a veteran who died of) Parkinson's disease, ischemic heart condition, or a B-cell leukemia or another condition that can be linked to one of these? Did you (the veteran) or the deceased veteran serve in the Republic of Vietnam, the waterways of Vietnam, or on the Korean DMZ any time from January 9, 1962 thru May 7, 1975? Did you (the veteran), the deceased veteran, or the deceased surviving…
This veteran should have filed a long time ago; therefore, the veteran needs to file IMMEDIATELY. (1) If veteran dies before the claim is awarded, is married or has a dependent child, that person must be substituted for the veteran. Therefore, the original claim can be processed. Consequently, the payment is the same as if the veteran had lived. (2) If the veteran dies without dependents, a family member may file for accrued benefits. Providing that the family member personally paid for any expenses related to the last illness and/or funeral/burial. Therefore, the VA will reimburse up to, what was paid by…
Are you a Vietnam Veteran who suffers with (or the loved one of a veteran who died of) Parkinson's disease, ischemic heart condition, or a B-cell leukemia or another condition that can be linked to one of these? Did you (the veteran) or the deceased veteran serve in the Republic of Vietnam, the waterways of Vietnam, or on the Korean DMZ any time from January 9, 1962 thru May 7, 1975? Did you (the veteran), the deceased veteran, or the deceased surviving spouse (or deceased child or parent) previously file a claim for benefits based upon the veteran having…
The VA has a "presumptive conditions" policy that entitles certain veterans, survivors, and dependents, to a presumption of service-connection for certain disease or conditions related to certain conflicts or military service. These include former POWs, Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange, atomic veterans exposed to ionizing radiation, Gulf War veterans with undiagnosed illnesses, veterans diagnosed with certain chronic diseases within one year of release from active duty, and veterans with 90 days or more of contiguous service diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease following discharge from active duty. If an injury or illness is determined to be service-related, the condition(s) are…
Usually, a veteran or a qualifying surviving dependent must show a nexus between the veteran’s condition or death and his/her military service, except with a presumptive condition or death.
Veterans exposed to herbicides while serving in Vietnam and other areas will have an easier path to access quality health care and qualify for disability compensation.
Frederick, MD 
301-663-9230
