Vietnam Vets

Vietnam veterans you should be collecting VA disability benefits. The benefits are extensive and range from monthly compensation to free life insurance to reduced property taxes to all inclusive medical care. Benefits are also available to the spouses of Vietnam veterans who died of respiratory cancers.

It is very important to file quickly since the disability date is the date the VA recieves your first claim.

Respiratory cancers in Vietnam veterans are presumed to be Agent Orange connected. Multiple benefits including monthly compensation are available to these veterans. The VA website provides (http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/benefits/Herbicide/AOno3.htm a wealth of information about Agent Orange.

As noted on the VA Website you will need the following to submit a claim:
• Medical evidence of the cancer (Biopsy, scans, letter from your oncologist)
• Competent evidence of service in Vietnam (DD214 showing Vietnam service)

You should get an organization to help you file your claim. In my case the State VA did a great job and I recommend them. Others have used DAV, VFW, etc. Most important is to choose someone you can meet face to face with. Ask the representative if can get expedited review if you file a fully developed claim. http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/CertificationofFullyDevelopedClaim.doc

Learn as much as you can. The VA website is a great resource:
• Benefits for the Veteran http://www.vba.va.gov/VBA/benefits/factsheets/general/21-00-1.pdf
• Survivor benefits for spouses http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/dependents/spouse.htm

Ask for help. Most people are glad to help and will respond positively to your requests. I wish you the very best and thank you for helping your dad through this process. I will help in any way I can.

Happy Day
Cecil