Noteboom The Law Firm

VA Lists Vessels Qualifying For Agent Orange Disability Compensation

The VA recently added 180 vessels and ships to its list of those facing potential exposure to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War.

Among the new vessels included in the list are:

• specific Coast Guard Cutter patrol boats;
• cargo vessels;
• buoy tenders;
• harbor utility craft; and
• naval landing craft.

The increased number of vessels means it is likely more Naval and Coast Guard veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange and suffered ill effects will apply for disability compensation due to their service on those ships. The geographic areas of service ranges from the coastal waters of Vietnam to the internal rivers.

Those who believed they were exposed should file for their disability due to exposure as early as possible, according to the VA. This is presumably because of the VA's seemingly unending backlog of disability claims waiting to be processed.

The VA has a standing policy preventing such veterans, known as "blue water" veterans, from collecting disability compensation due to their potential exposure to Agent Orange while serving off-shore. The VA's addition of these vessels to their list of accepted disability claims is one step toward eliminating that policy.

This addition will allow blue water veterans to prove exposure to the herbicide despite their off-shore service. At the same time, it is hoped the VA will begin allowing such service to be recognized within the service-related diseases.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veterans disability rights firm today - 1-888-234-5758.