Each year on March 29, National Vietnam War Veterans Day brings Americans together to honor Veterans of this war and their families for their service and sacrifice. On that day in 1973, the last combat troops withdrew from Vietnam and the last prisoners of war held in North Vietnam arrived on American soil. With an estimated 6 million Vietnam Veterans currently living in the U.S. or abroad, VA remains dedicated to serving all Veterans of the Vietnam Era, along with their family members and caregivers.
Military exposure
While in the military, some Veterans may have been exposed to a variety of environmental and chemical hazards that carry potential health risks. During the Vietnam War, one such hazard was Agent Orange, a blend of herbicides sprayed from 1962 to 1971 to remove the leaves of trees and other foliage. In the years since, VA has recognized certain cancers and diseases as presumptive diseases associated with exposure to Agent Orange during qualifying military service.
Disability compensation
If you’re a Vietnam Veteran or the eligible survivor of a Veteran with a presumptive health condition, you may be eligible for VA disability compensation. A presumptive condition is a condition VA assumes is related to a Veteran’s qualifying military service. If you have an illness that is not on the list of presumptive diseases, but you believe it is connected to military exposure, you can still file a claim for VA disability benefits. However, you will need to submit more evidence to support your claim.
You can file a claim or appeal a decided claim on your own or with help from an accredited attorney, claims agent or Veterans Service Officer (VSO). These professionals are trained and certified in the VA claims and appeals processes and can help you with VA-related needs. Find out more about accredited representatives and how they can help you by visiting: www.va.gov/disability/get-help-filing-claim/.
Additional benefits and resources
In addition to disability compensation, Vietnam Veterans may be eligible for a variety of other VA benefits, including monthly pension payments, home loans, life insurance, burial services and more. You can access the 2021 Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors booklet here.
Please visit www.va.gov to learn more about available benefits and services. You can also call VA at 800-827-1000 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST Monday through Friday to speak with a representative.
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I was in the Blue Water Navy and spent many months counting sea snakes at Yankee Station North. I returned to the states in May of 1975 to a less than welcome experience in the San Francisco airport. I went on to retire in 1995 and filed for VA benefits six times. A chance meeting with a VA Adjudicator at a weekend concert led to her finding four of my applications sitting in a clerk’s basket. I was granted 10%, I feel it was a way of just getting rid of me. I am now in the process of seeking proper compensation for the many problems I am experiencing. I have had both bad and good service from the VA. Initially, my Primary Care doctor was very bitter and made it feel as if taking care of vets was an imposition for him. He left the VA and I was assigned to a new doctor who really cared about her patients and veterans. I am being assigned to a new doctor this month as my primary care doctor is leaving the VA. I am served by the Malcolm Randal Center and it has taken excellent care of me. I still feel the sting of how Vietnam era service members, were treated for years after that conflict ended.
Great info here
I am a Vietnam-era medic. I am sorry that many vets are angry that there are Vietnam-era vets included in the quoted 6 million assessment of us who are served. I agree with several vets who commented that the “Conflict” (never an officially declared war) didn’t end on March 29, 1973 (Vietnam Veterans’ Day) because vets, like me continued through June 30, 1975 when South Vietnam fell to the North Vietnamese. I participated in Operation Homecoming which liberated many of our POWs. It is disconcerting that some vets
are disrespecting our Vietnam-era veterans who also gave a sacrifice during the Conflict!
Don’t be upset with us! We served too!! We are part of the nearly 7 million who served. We didn’t get the Vietnam medal as those who had “boots on”, but we deserve your respect for our service!
I am attending a Vietnam veterans trip to visit the Vietnam wall and other sites in September to honor those who made the “ultimate sacrifice” as well as honoring our Vietnam-era vets who “served some, in addition to those who gave much!!”
I honor all Vietnam veterans! We deserve the benefits other bloggers mentioned above. I am sorry that many of you have/are suffering and not receiving the compensation you deserve!
Blessings to everyone. I hope that this information has benefited some of you. Let’s not have bitterness among us. We are all part of the 6 million plus who served!
I enlisted at the end of the Vietnam era. My husband was in the army as an 11B and served in Vietnam. Several years later he was medically discharged for a back injury which should’ve included his hip. At the final examination they listed the wrong side for his hip pain. He filed for a VA disability and was awarded for his hypertension and PTSD. Also for his back. He appealed it For a higher PTSD rating and to include his hip. For which he was diagnosed with avascular necrosis of his hip. His appeal went on for years.
He was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. However esophageal cancer is not an agent orange presumptive diagnosis. Which always surprised me since if you’re able to breathe it… Aren’t you able to swallow it too.
He got out of military in 1989, by the year 2000 he was dead. VA told me that his case would be closed because of his death.
It felt like they just waited it out until he died!
So yeah I have very little faith in the Department of Veterans Affairs. The adjudication officers that make the determination for service-connected disability are non-medical personnel. Basically they are clerks.
I strongly believe that my husband‘s PTSD prevented him from seeking care early for his cancer. His way of coping with PTSD (drinking) was detrimental to his health and contributed to his death. But having PTSD also made him untrusting of medical personnel In the VA.
Oddly enough now I find myself in a similar fight for disability recognition. One all the way to the board of veterans appeals. In my case the adjudication officer made the wrong assumption when evaluating my initial paperwork. Rather than asking for clarification. Instead of looking at the medical documents that I submitted with it to make the determination. Unfortunately I used a very broad word, “ allergies“ For which the adjudication officer assumed it was allergies to medications. However if he looked at the medical documents I submitted he should’ve realized it was more than that. Now my case is at the board veterans appeals because they keep ignoring me and ignoring my medical records from the military service. And post service.
So yeah I have very little faith in the department of Veterans Affairs which is sad, and after reading this blog I am only one of many.
So much for Department of Veterans Affairs supporting Veterans. I even attempted to go to a veteran service officer but because I initially filed without them no one will help me.
I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and I’m a Vietnam vet. I have a friend who works for the VA he was able to make sure my request was pushed through the system. I quickly received a check for back compensation for the date I was diagnosed and a year of 100 percent disability. I’m now on 20 percent for hearing loss. Without someone in the system advocating for you the wheels move slowly. My friend is a marine who has great respect for vets.
In 2012 I began my journey into the web which is V.A. benefits. I had surgery on my knee that was injured in the navy. I went through the V.A. for the surgery, it was performed (knee replacement) Aug.28th 2012. Took six months too get temporary 100% for rehabilitation by that time I knew their was something very wrong. Applied for and received and extension on the temporary benefits. In 2013 the surgeon (a new one said the first surgery had to of been the problem. 2014 after second surgery the pain was worse than I could have imagined and in places I was told their should be no pain. By this time a friend and legal guru for DAV helped me to start paperwork flowing for 100% P&T (filing is just the first step). My next visit to the Doctor was the start of my new life. He started testing for crps (complex regional pain syndrome) the test we’re pos. I asked him if the surgery was the cause and he said yes. I asked for a letter stating this. With all these weapons I went after my benefits. I was denied, and with a list of reasons in hand why they denied (this is your sword use it don’t get discouraged) I covered all their petty reasons and reapplied. I had my 100% P&T in 8 months. Meanwhile I had applied for my 100% disability from social security(note do this in person) I received benefits in 6 weeks. I hope this was helpful and go to DVA for help. PS worked 2 years helping others get benefits
I served in VN 1968 & 69: USMC 1/27 as 0331, 3/1 as asst to Co Commander.I left my VA disability alone for 45 years, then beginning in 2015 attempted to gain certain important disability ratings: Im finding that the VA decisions depend on certain criteria that sometimes cannot be met by the individual veteran. IE its not in your file or med record. The corpsman had trouble completing his file, he died when under fire!. The files are incomplete, and who’s fault in that? The corpsmen were dining right next to the rest of the combat soldiers!, I find most or all of those I have talked with have NO CONTEXT as to what really happened back then especially on the front lines.
I filed for my Vietnam Blue Water Navy compensation over 2 years ago. The VA sent out 8 requests for information that were done sequentially, even though they knew from the start that they would be asking for most of the information. More than a year after I filed, they asked me for proof that I was in the affected area in the prescribed time, even though that information was provided in my original request. I had my final medical review on 1 July 2021 and still have not heard anything back from them. I have never heard anything good about VA compensation claims, and I can see why. The “delay and deny until they die” tactics seem to be well established. I even have some concern that this post will cause them to move my file to the bottom of the pile.
[Editor: Your comments here have zero connection to the VBA employees adjudicating your claim.]
My husband was a Vietnam vet who first heard about financial help through a hospital chaplain who was also a Vietnam Vet. His advise was to contact our county Veteran Service Commission. My husband scheduled an appointment with the local Service Officer. The Service Officer knows the inner workings of the VA and was able to get the ball rolling to get the financial help my husband needed to see him through all his medical treatments. Without the Service Officer, I’m not sure what would have happened to my husband’s filings. My husband is now deceased and the Service Officer has been a great help to me to qualify for the widow’s pension and to see it through until the payments started arriving. In addition, when I was missing certain paperwork to quality for some local tax relief benefit for veterans, the Service Officer was there again to help me get the needed paperwork. If you have not connected with a Service Officer at the county level, I encourage you to do so immediately. They are there to help. Good luck.
I’ve been trying to get my benefits claim from exposure to Agent Orange since June of 2021. I Ave tried everything I can think of. If anyone in the VA can help me, I would greatly appreciate it.
After reading all the comments I feel less sorry for myself and more frustrated with the VA.
I too am waiting forever for a response on a claim that supposedly has been in the decision stage for close to a year.
I have two great fears. The first one is that the case has actually been lost. The second one is like all other responses on initial claims it will be a declination or request for further info
Jack Papernick:
Hang in there, brother. I discount what the VA says by two thirds because it has long been known to be an adversarial system. The VA says one thing and does another, usually against the best interests of the veteran. Also, it is often necessary to wade through a bureaucratic swamp.
I have had a claim in since 2014 for exposure to herbicide dioxin on Okinawa in 1984. There have been three appeals, all denied. An appearance before a traveling judge, which required a very long wait, did not bring me any closer to success. But hang in, because the prize is worth the fight. Not money, but a finger in the VA’s eye and especially, making the road a bit smoother for the veteran behind you with the same challenge regarding settling a claim.
I think one of the big problems is that there are a great many veterans who are silent. Numbers lead to statistics which lead to fear which leads to action. We need more veterans coming forward and speaking up.
One of the lessons I have learned is to hire a good lawyer. They are out there, and they get things done. Spending money to speak to a good lawyer when you need one is money well spent.
Blog claims there are 6.7 million Vietnam Vets. This is incorrect. More like 2.7 million total who served in Vietnam with about 600 thousand alive today. I am very disappointed that a VA blog would not report accurate numbers with respect to the Vietnam War. It is very disrespectful to those veterans who did serve in Vietnam.
I too served across the pond in Vietnam! We are totally different from our brothers who served during the war! USA killed us with Agents White, Blue, Green along with the three types of agent orange too include the finality of Supper Orange! They forgot to tell us that we will have a long road of cancers ( Va is still having a hard time to to recognize the different cancers ) so the cover up is the government combines all of us Vietnam veterans
Too tell us how many of us are still alive? I tried to get the number from DOD and VA, no they say they do not tract ! So through many articles, us who served in Vietnam 2.7 million we are at about 350k who are still breathing, been dealing with agent Orange for many years , i lost all of my platoon due to the Agent Orange held most of their hands on the last breath of air! Hopefully i will join them soon! Im proud to have been there for them, but i will die alone!
At least the Coward Bonespurs
has been kicked out of
DC. The fella Hated Veterans.
Ah leave it alone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I, like the rest of my brothers was denied but a friend pf mine said to go to the American Legion and they took over my case. They handled the paper work and medical appt. And low and behold I was approved. my suggestion is to check out the military org.
I started filing for hearing loss in 2017 and just receive approval in 2022 after denial a few years ago. Reason for denial was based on waiting to long to file. When I got home from Vietnam the last thing I wanted to do was wear hearing aids. I started working with the DAV in 2021 and I give them full credit for getting my case reviewed and approved. They know how to work with the VA on behalf of the vetran.
I am a Vietnam ERA veteran. I filed my claim in 2005. I just got back another denial. The Court of Appeals remanded the Appeal. It goes back to the ones that denied it before. I am 100% for this beginning in 2010, but they did not go back to my date of claim (2005). That is what I am working on. This issue is on my DD214, issued in 1980. 17 years I have been working to what I should have been medically discharged. VES is full of it. They send you to VES and then deny. The VES medical whatever should be required to review Miliary Medical Records and Personal Records. Then maybe could relate everything.
The VA hires these kids out of college because of technical skills. They start off will pay that is equal to what the old timers took years to make. These new hires buy a new car and then a house. They are stuck. Most are not happy.
Just to let everyone know, denial is an easy point and helps them meet their quota.
What about a Purple Heart for veterans with invisible wounds. PTSD and other similar trauma is just as critical as visible wounds and maybe more critical. Wounded is wounded.
I served offshore and at Monterey NAF in 1964-66,
handling fire fighting foam and recipients as part of my duties as a fire fighter.r when I was discharged, it was medically for orthopedic damages I received in service. I came home with urticaria, mental fog, chronic fever, etc. I went to VA, San Francisco hospitals, was hospitalized in Phoenix VA for weeks, and have never recovered.
With time I continued to have urticaria and mental fog, suffered bladder cancer three times, ischemic stroke, neuropathy, general bad health.
I enlisted as a healthy, vibrant 17 year old. I was discharged as a sick old man at 19. A year after discharge I was at VA in SF when an Asian doctor asked me when I got back from Asia. I think they knew what was wrong with me. But they would not say.
I was just turned down for review despite having presumptive illnesses and symptoms for almost 60 years.
VA is waiting to bury the last Vietnam Vets.. It is all about money..
The VA says they want to help veteran in the Vietnam area, I found out it’s not true at all. I tried several times to get disability and every time it was disapproved.
You go to the VA Hospital, because you don’t have anything wrong and they say that you are just getting old. The VA hospital is there to make you think that you not have any injuries that affects you today.
I truly agree that any individual who has the absolute authority to agree or disagree to an individual’s claim to one or more disabilities should be a highly qualified veteran that has endured similar experiences that the claimant has or at least has an understanding of the situation.When veterans are told the VA will take care of them then get continuous denials to earned compensation I can certainly understand the anger total frustration.I understand there is a shortage of personnel,but the long periods of no communication is inexcusable.
I would believe the SIX MILLION figure would include the “REMFs,” and troops at FOBs in theater — many more troops were exposed than Congress wants to compensate.
“Officially,” spraying of the Royal Thai Air Force bases ceased in ’71, but the defoliants were still present and toxic for many years after the war,
and much of the documentation has been destroyed or remains classified, so the VA gets a pass on presumptive exposure they can’t verify.
It is illogical (to me) that a tin can sailor off the coast is approved, but a troop in Thailand, Laos or Cambodia is in some magical cone of non-exposure.
HR3967 (Honor our PACT) addresses this disparity.
If you have some time , take a peek at :
https://blogs.loc.gov/maps/2019/08/u-s-bases-in-thailand-during-the-vietnam-war-and-agent-orange/
That tin can sailor was in so close to give you fire support that he was drinking agent orange like I did. We’re all in this together.
It was suggested by my primary care doc that I needed to be reevaluated following an earlier 10% rating for diabetes. I went to 3 different outside clinics to be evaluated. I was overly compensated for driving to these clinics by the VA. It took 2 weeks to receive a letter from the VA stating I am 120% disabled. Although they did state I would only get 100% pay. That was over a year ago and I have been receiving that pay every month since. Agent orange is attacking my internal organs but the VA here in Indianapolis has been very attentive and so far I’m still around. I don’t understand the delays others have experienced and my heart goes out to them. Good luck and semper fi to all you Marines.
IAM a Vietnam Marine. The VA will Wait for me to DIE and be Cremated and then just become a statistic that they can add to their reports before they get my claim processed. I Give Up!
What my family will get is a Flag and empty bullet casings hopefully from the 21 gun salute.
Farewell Marines…….
I have fought VA for the last 10 years trying to get increased compensation for the back injury sustained in Vietnam along with applying for compensation for my hearing loss and tinnitus. Every time that I have been sent to VES (Veterans Evaluation Service), I have been turned down. I feel that VES may have an incentive to deny these claims, only my theory, not proof or actual facts! My latest appeal to VA for my back goes back to May 2020. I no longer hold my breath and have no delusions of receiving anything more from VA. SAD!
Was told 4 years ago that VA would not pay anyone monetary benefits to anyone. This is from a local VA rep in Michigan. I applied for health benefits and was denied but I had boots on the ground RVA. I met a Marine who guided me thru the system and waited 2 years for approval . I also must thank Rep Andy Levin and his office in Macomb Mi for helping me . It took 1 month from his intervention to get decision after 2 years waiting. I now am 100% and permanent. Keep fighting and seek help from Vets who have gone through to turmoil and the gov bureaucracy. WELCOME HOME.
I served 12 months from ’67-’68 in a Delta area where dioxin was heavily used, especially during Tet Offensive.
I’ve had 3 different cancers in less than 3 years. Two of them were diagnosed and treated as type covered on Agent Orange presumptive list but VA’s pathology puppets “disagreed” with Doctors prognosis and of course denied all claims I made through the DAV.
Thank you
Served with the 4th Div 3rd Battalion 8th Inf in 1969, I have prostate and bladder cancer, registered and applied for benefits a year ago, have not heard anything from the VA, probably never will.
Took me 2 years to get my disability claim processed and finally approved. Tongue cancer dues to Agent Orange exposure. GH, USAF 69-70, Danang, I Corp. Don’t give up. Get help from you congressman’s office.
My understanding is prostate cancer was considered a presumptive disease and you were entitled to disability compensation if so afflicted. I submittted a claim for bladder cancer in 2010 and was denied. Bladder cancer was acknowledged a year ago (Jan 2021 defense bill) and I received a letter from the VA stating no further action was needed on my part as they would process all previous claims for bladder cancer. I had already enlisted the help of a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) here in NH and she was very, very helpful. Still unsure if my documentation and her efforts produced the hoped-for result, or the VA would have made the award without more recent prodding. So I urge you to find a VSO and scream louder.
The VA was supposed to get a giant overhaul the past few years…looks like they pooped the money off on maternity wards and over budget contracts to private construction companies to build expensive office space for lazy pencil pushers who laugh and deny Vietnam vets what we have been owed for the last 50 years. I have been to several different VA horse-pistols over the years and none are any better than the others so it’s just another BS government joke. When we are all gone, VA will proclaim that we “should have had better comp and treatment”. Just like the BS they dished out in the 1970’s denying many of us into the VA system for BS excuses like we never stormed Omaha beach and kicked the Vietnamese back to Hanoi. Beam me up Scotty…git er done.
VES is a complete joke . They use inexperienced people for C&P exams. I had a nurse practioner examine me for a neuropathy claim. The exam lasted THREE minutes. What a joke. How can anyone make a decision based on a 3 minute exam? Since when is a nurse practioner qualified to evaluate a condition that actually requires an MD neurologist to treat it? I have been subjected to several of these VES examiners and EVERYTIME they have denied the claim.
Defense Request for 2022 $813.3 Billion
Seems they can spend some on the VA to speed up the time to respond to claims.
Right on the money
Ever agent orange related problem I filed for at Lexington Ky VA for agent orange told me no. I finally filed a claim on line with VA and was sent to outside Doctors and they eventually agreed I had all the problems I filed for the first time. I’m 100 percent total and permanent. Point is without the outside people who are veteran owned companies I probably never would have received it.
I couldn’t agree more. I’ve been trying to see a local doctor, instead of driving 35 miles into the city, where all they tell me is keeping taking the glaucoma drops. They won’t admit that I’m going blind. These student doctors are only interested in doing surgeries. Two operations and they haven’t solved anything.
I filed a claim with the VA for PTSD. A medical board from the Dept of the Army stated that I did suffer with this condition. The VA sent me for an evaluation with a company that was an out source psychological contracted. I drove for 35 minutes to make the appointment, set in the lobby for twenty minutes and when I was called back to see the Dr I spent 15 minutes of the hourly scheduled visit. When I got my denial letter the Dr said that I did not show signs of PTSD and her opinion was the final word. I live nest door to a VA psychiatrist and when I told her about the evaluation she stated that this was rather common for the VA to send people to these contracted Drs. because the visit is short and sweet and the claim is always denied.
Find a VSO in your state and file a NOD (appeal) with BVA.
I am a Vietnam veteran diagnosed with prostate cancer.I went through all of the process to file a claim and it was processed.My benefits were granted then they set me up an appointment with a VES (Veterans evaluation services) rep, they are nonmilitary wanna be Drs(Drs assistant) to evaluate my physical condition. Shortly after I received a notice that my benefits were dropping from 100% to 40% based on this mon military VES evaluation.I filed a grievance and submitted a notice from my ongologist that my cancer treatments are ongoing but have not received a response.Meanwhile my cancer treatment goes on
i live 48 miles from my primary . Om problem sighted and legs don’t carry me well. wfe rakes VA they expect weedly for tests, ur tu et neds ur suoolies you don’t mileage; my wife is 70 i’m 83/ 33years service . 3 years of VA employment in the mid 70-s why can;t we go back to the GOOD OLD DAYS when someone cane tome I helped them wirhout a nurse aking if I want kill someone. I’m a DAV lifer a lot of weasted time and effort for junk stuff.
No health care administer shou;d be in a position at a VA unless they;ve served what’s a URL?
who gets to determine whos a whole and rite it in your little dirty peace of paper
and who reads it and says o look little dirty
saying about you G I not lieing
who the stoueg that denies your claim
Let’s get this straight, there are NOT 6 MILLION Vietnam Veterans in the US today as there were only 2.6 million that actually served “in country” during the entire war. The fact that the VA in this case doesn’t differentiate between Vietnam “ERA” and Vietnam Veteran is a disgrace. I have nothing but respect for all who took a step forward and served their country but I find it disturbing that the VA doesn’t seem to know the difference between the two.
I TOTALLY AGREE!!
Big difference between being on/off LZ and shot at versus state side service. HOWEVER
since you usually don’t have choice, we need to honor BOTH
As a fellow retiree with a 40% disability rating, I get the same treatment. It costs me $800.00 a month. I wrote a letter to my do nothing US Congress critter, asking him to introduce legislation to eliminate the 50% threshold for concurrent receipt. Lousy prick never replied to me. VA is a fcking joke.
I have a couple of presumptive diagnoses that the adjudicators decided were not caused by my three tours of duty in country or just off the coast on the DMZ. Their presumption was that my conditions were real, but not caused by my repeated exposures to Agents Blue and Orange. I feel that the adjudicators presumed erroneously, but there is nothing I can do about it. Why must benefits be fought for?
You’re not alone. I’ve had non-Hodgkin lymphoma twice and 2 soft tissue tumors. Over 5 months of chemo and 63 radiation treatments. NOT A DIME. Scott C, Vietnam 12/65-11/66
We used Agent Blue on antenna fields.
Very seldom hear of it.
Where and when were you exposed?
I was subject to different medical testing at Aberdeen Proving Grounds/Edgewood Arsenal. I was “allowed” within the past couple of years to get examinations by a Neuro Surgeon on different numbness symptoms I have. Needless to say- they indicated nothing was wrong with me. It is getting worse, my feet are usually black/purple in the morning, and it takes awhile for me to be able to walk correctly until I limber up. I spent two years getting tested at different locations. I would like to get retested as my symptoms get worse.
How about dealing with the unbelievable backlog of benefit claims instead of spending resources on promoting new programs and constant advertising? Like many of my fellow Vietnam Combat Veterans we feel the VA is just waiting for us to die. I am a month away from it being a year since I filed my claims without receiving a decision.
Approximately 2,700,000 American men and women served in Vietnam. It was the first war in which the US failed to meet its objectives. It was also the first time America failed to welcome its veterans back as heroes.
And now to add insult to injury our own VA can’t tell the difference between a Vietnam Veteran (one who served IN COUNTRY) and a Vietnam ERA veteran.
I see you have forgotten the “forgotten “ Korean Conflict..The US also failed to end that one.
I was being checked for various conditions but the agent that was to test my hearing refused to check me because on the night before that test the rubber tip from one of my hearing aids got stuck in my ear. So, rather than take a moment to pull it out she refused to check me and me me drive all the way home from that clinic, which was some 60 miles away. Needless to say that she was NOT part of the VA, and I was extremely upset and never went back.
Bob
The war in Ukraine is very anxious and stressful to those of us who were in combat in Vietnam.
Has POTUS signed into law compensation benefits for Vietnam War veterans being exposed to Agent Orange/Herbicide Dioxin which caused the development of hypertension?
It has been too freaking years since my heart surgery and claim for agent orange exposure. I’ve called the VA a hundred times in the past 6 months to find out why my claim has not gone through. I get the exact same generic answer every time that is in the decision phase and nobody has a clue when I will begin receiving my benefits. Everything is done, all information has been provided and verified. If I am being jerked around this much I can only imagine how many others are and we are getting absolutely no answers. I’m told that my files are setting in St Petersburg Florida, but cannot find a number or be provided one by the VA.
One very helpful young lady during one of my numerous calls gave me the path on the VA website to get to the St Pete Office. (I never would have been able to find it on the website)
Va.gov Then “About VA”, under VA organizations, click “Veterans Benefits Administration”,
On the left side, go down to “Locations”, click down to “Regional Offices”, click further down in the body of that page to St Petersburg Office.
Click that link to their page where you can schedule them to call you with a video/phone interview. (Remember they are Eastern time!). Or you can try and call 800-827-1000.
I had very good response with their office calling me. Be sure to get the name of who calls.
A shell game is played by the VA and military retirement department. The VA pays me a monthly disability payment and my retirement pay is reduced by the same amount as the VA disability payments. The result is 0 VA compensation!
Who voted for this law?
It is appalling as a veteran with a disability that has been granted, and after going through the registration process in Washington on the phone, that I’m required to get a base line physical health established to obtain a Veteran’s ID card to access other Veteran’s benefits that are available to me. The VA hospital system in San Antonio is impossible to get an appointment at. Their voice mail system claims someone will return the call but that never happens (I have caller ID), and when a warm body does answer they claim to call back in 15 minutes but that also never happens. I even received a letter that they had called me repeatedly to st up an appointment, but there were no calls on the caller ID. I have no need for any VA Healthcare services as I provide that on my own and I see this as a ridiculous requirement for something as simple as an ID card that I can get from any other government agency in 15 minutes by just showing up. What a joke the cumbersome and discriminatory VA system is for Vietnam Nam veterans is because they know we will all be dead and out of their hair soon anyway. I really don’t expect this comment to do any more than fall on deaf ears as usual with the VA
How come the V.A and service orgs. all ignore the “Criminal” infection of tens of thousands of VETERANS with HEPATITIS C? No one from D.A.V. to VFW, etc ever talks about this HUGE lie and cover-up!
Waiting going on 2 years for compensation rating… Vietnam Vet
My husband served on a destroyer in Viet Nam…we have tried over and over to get benefits…he is always denied…he was a gunner and everytime they would shoot at enemy planes and ships his ears would pop and hurt..he can barely hear because of that…he also was on watch on the ship…he was most certainly exposed to agent orange…he was very close to the shore ..agent orange was in the air…he has respiratory issues…he has had back and knee surgeries from also working on engines…his prescriptions are 160 per month…this is not taking care of our veterans..
I have a disability appeal just witting in DC. are you the people to contact for help with mu process?
Steven G. Hayes
USN Vietnam
Asbestos poisoning
I have nerve damage in both my feet and both legs,I have no feeling in my feet and legs I have fallen a lot but it seams the VA. Does not want to address the problem my knees are giving me problems all so when I sit for a long time I have to have help to get back on feet.I checked on a medical device that helps with cordnation ,satbiliy that I do not have because of numbness in feet and legs ,knees.
I believe the older you are and have a disability, the disability should increase with age.
I am tired of hearing thanks for service when you don’t get good service. WHAT A LIE
I agree with you and apparently so do a large number of Vietnam vets. My conditions due to Agent Orange have resulted in Type II diabetes and Stage 4 renal failure. I expect I’ll be in the “bone yard” before the VA responds to the application submitted for disability. Just another “Thanks for your Service” lie from the US Government.
Just a thank you note for the help you give us.
I have bladder cancer and dibeates,
Already service connected @ 100 per cent, should I file a new claim??
Yes, You need to submit a now claim. My situation is identical to yours. I submitted my claim for bladder cancer in August 2021. The claim is well documented and complete but still being evaluated after 8 months. I live outside the country and use the VAs foreign medical program for my 100% disability. But I cannot submit any out of pocket claims for bladder cancer until it is approved. Unfortunately if I was living in the states I could use Medicare or the VA hospitals, but here the receipts for the treatment keep mounting up. Good luck to you, but do go ahead and submit the new claim.
Let us use a paid Medicare System. Paid accordingvto disability rating. Have a graduated scale from 1 to 99% which a monthly payment to be made by the vet to bring them equal to 100% benefits. The VA would have NO say on the doctor we pick as long as they are Medicare approved, and no say in treatment or meds. Basically, no say at all on our Healthcare. We could then pick our OWN doctors. Fire them & get a new one if we want. Get HONEST 2nd opinions, and be treat by Medical people that keep our business thru PROFESSIONALISM vs veteranscbeing FUNNELED into a corrupt system who’s main mission is to PROTECT THE SYSTEM & the mistakes, or lack of Concern committed daily by many VA medical Staff & certainly the Ececutives to Skew the truth to protect the System!
Ponder this. If VA care is SO GREAT, then why do we see commercial of organization begging for donations to do for vets what the VA IS NOT! ie: DAV, PAV, WOUNDED WARRIORS? Why is that?
Also, do away with ALL “NON DISCLOSURE AGREEMENTS” in settlements with a vet’s survivor’s! And let’s not forget the VA now is lowering the standards of new hires! Guess if you ever played “Doctor” as a kid, they’d hire you!
So, as they are fiercely protecting the System by proposing all sorts of new facilities, we vets suffer!
Go to a political town hall and ask you rep to finish this sentence we all have heard them puke out. Our hero’s deserve the “BEST CARE AVAILABLE!” IS that the Best Care on the Market, or the Best Care Available after bonuses, promotions, new facilities to prop up the System & a vote for ‘MO MONEY!”
I have taken a picture of this message, as I don’t think it will get posted.
One more thing. Have you Ever had a job where you could make 147 mistakes & not be canned? Nor me, but a VA Orthopedic Surgeonnin an Indiana did & the VA gave him %$#king probation! And that doesn’t even count the pain & suffering of 147 VETERANS!
Since 2003, I am 100% service connected combat wounded and I have the $10,000 life insurance. I recently read that it was increased. Can I increase the amount?
Why no keyword for Hepatitis C ?
Brother,HEP C is a thing all service orgs and the V.A dont want to talk about. “DENY DENY DIE”, I started my filing for service connection for HEP C in 1999, and was laughed at by the V.A rep. “Nobody has ever won service connection! In 2019, after two fights in Appeals court I got a Service Connection. Now is sent back to Phnx Regional for percentage of disability decision. Still waiting. I used VETERANS LEGAL ADVOCACY GROUP, VetLag, best group of JAG lawyers and Vets to go to.But now all stands still because of long back log. DENY DENY DIE.Because of the muni-jet shots I have chronic progressive liver disease, and the decision is in the hands of the corrupt Phoenix Regional V.A. One last thing Check out HEP C VETS, Awesome resource of support by folks all of which have fought the good fight!
Why are so consumed about preparing for dying. I want to live. I can’t get education benefits to finish my degree. Can someone help me.
What benefits/support can you give Vietnam veterans living overseas?
Check your date of final withdrawl
I put in a claim on April 2021 and have not heard nothing from the VA. What phone number do I call to follow up?
The VA general number to call is 800-698-2411, then press 0 to speak with a live agent. If they are all busy, leave your name and number for a callback. Good luck!
Seriously
I wish you would get something going on completing the claims
I have been in decision mode since march 2021 (1YEAR)
I am sure there are many more vets just like me
thank you useful information
I applied for individual unemployability in July of last year and still waiting – is it really that difficult?
still haven’t got any reply
Six million Vietnam vets alive today? I doubt it. I’ve read in several places there were about 2.5 million of us with boots on the ground in RVN. Last I heard that there were only about 500,000 of us still alive today. Six million still alive today? I don’t think so.
From my POV, the VA has no idea of how many Veterans of that era, myself being one, actually served on-the-ground in Nam. Never mind if they are still alive. This is especially true, I believe, if you were TDY: no orders, no record on DD-214. If you’re lucky, or unlucky depending on your POV, you received out or in clinic health care while in Nam, the record of which should wind up at the NPRC. Then again, COVID may forever restrict the government’s ability to provide basic services for its citizens and veterans.
How can I get a hold of my VSO? I have an active Agent Orange claim, that is approved – 688 days ago – and has not been released. I now have an Ejection Refraction ratio of 30%.
I need to find out the status if my claim before I die.
The headline for this article says there are 6 million Viet Nam veterans. I believe there were 2.7 million. For the record, are you including the “Stolen Valor” folks in your assessment? How many stolen valor veterans has the VA provided healthcare and compensation for?
I am really disappointed in the VA over this. Another snub for Viet Nam Veterans from a less than grateful government
You need to educate yourself because the last boot was in 1975. Just because the draft ended doesn’t mean the war was over. I feel very insulted as I was a Army Mp and was there from 74-75. Thanks for giving out wrong information.
How can I get help with repairing my garage roof and siding that has water damage. Is there a VA grant that would help with this project ? I am a Viet Nam vet. 1966-1968.
Find your local veterans service officer (VSO). Inquire your county or DAV or American Legion. Bring all your information including marriage certificate with proof such as pictures or mail that you sent to someone that shows return address . List of any diagnoses. Help is a search. Don’t quit
This is the biggest Bullsht I ever heard. I put in a claim for benefits and the VA could not find my medical report they act like that was my fault.
I injured my back in 1971 at Hollomon Airforce base but now there is no record of me ever going to the hospital.
If there are some law firm that help veterans with there benefits I would appreciate it if you would send me the information because the veterans you have working on veterans benefits act like they are working for the government instead of the Veterans.
Broken big toe, crooked now causing difficulty with many shoes. I was going to hootch after shower when attackd by VC mortars. I ran for shelter jumped drainage ditch but didn’t make it. Broke toe sprained ankle. Hootch received direct mortar hit, two DOA. Ditch accident may have saved my life. I avoided VA assistance, my life was benefit.
I am a Vietnam Veteran and currently awaiting a decision for a claim that has been filed several years ago. I urge all veterans to keep fighting for your VA disability benefits cause you’ve earned the right to them.
Simper Fi
I am a Vietnam Veteran and currently awaiting a decision for a claim that has been filed several years ago. I urge all veterans to keep fighting for your BA disability benefits cause you’ve earned the right to them.
Service members who served in South West Asia are entitled to presumptive diseases connected with burn-pit exposure. I take issue with and feel Vietnam Era vets do not have the advantage of the same presumptive conditions related to burn-pit exposure.
I see nothing different with the fact the burn pits were utilized in both areas. In fact the burn-pit exposure may have been greater during the Vietnam Era because the military stopped using many chemicals and materials during the time difference due to expanding knowledge of the hazardous nature of many chemicals. One that comes to mind is the use of DDT insecticides. DDT usage generally stopped in 1973. In Vietnam DDT was used almost daily to spray one’s bedding or inside the insect netting before going to bed. Burn-Pit presumptive service connection should be extended to Vietnam Era Vets equally.
Completely agree with you. My husband served in Vietnam 66-67. He was exposed to burn pits. He started suffering severe sinus problems while there and they continue to this day. While he was in Vietnam he was given allergy medication and also when he returned to Fort Ord. And by the 70’s began getting weekly allergy shots which continue currently. He filed for VA benefits 15 years ago due to prostate cancer and sinusitis. The VA denied the Sinsitis part of the claim stating he had to prove he got treatment in Vietnam and at Fort Ord which he couldn’t provide. It’s outrageous how they pick which war era illnesses they choose to be presumptive when exposure was present in more than one war.
Why does VA keep putting out these postings when it does not address how badly VA is treating MANY Vietnam Veterans who filed Compensation Claims for diseases long confirmed/presumed to have been caused by Agent Orange. It took YEARS to get my tumors granted as being caused by AO. Then when my claim was FINALLY granted, VA refused to award disabilities for the tumors, the surgical damage, the nerve/muscle damage from the removal and only granted 20% and 10% for the scars. It has been now been 5084 days since that claim was filed and is now warehoused at the CAVC. In July I filed the claim for Thyroid Cancer after Congress forced VA to grant presumption from AO for thyroid diseases. All eBenefits have shows for my claim is “WE DON’T KNOW YOUR STATUS”. If they don’t know, who the hell does, and why aren’t they trying to find out. They did a C&P exam a long time ago. Then the claim died I guess. VA Claims Examiner will do anything but the work to process the claims. It has been on front pages of newspapers for many many years and NOTHING gets done. But yet we are bombarded by these VA posting claiming VA is doing a great job and will help you yesterday if you will just contact them today. Let me tell you guys – Most of what they say can not be true of I have been selected by VA to get only shit from them. If it is happening to me – I must assume it is happening to you too. God help us because VA won’t.
Thank you for the update, now I can file for additional benefits
I am an Agent Orange victim. I believe the presumptive list is much too short. I developed Prostate Cancer and had treatment from a civilian treatment center. The VA could not offer state of the art treatment within 3 hours of my location. The VA fought tooth and nail NOT to pay for my treatment. I can be very persuasive, and I was
Spend less on Public Relations and more on treatment. I have been in the VA medical system since 2001. You must be your own advocate. The two most worthless individuals I have met at the VA were a so called Patient Advocate, and a VSO attached to a VA clinic. I had to work around them, and I did
Get treatment at the VA but get a second opinion.
I amposting too quickly? I am not a fast typist.
There is an article that I wish someone would pen that would be a great service to veterans and their survivors. I will try not to be too verbose.
I am an accredited agent and received my license from the Office of General Council last year and this will hopefully qualify the following issue.
Many veterans are awarded disability compensation with a rating of 100% Permanent & Total, and some are rated I.U. which compensates them at 100%, even though their service connected disabilies are actually less. This is quite an accomplishment, but what I am finding is that many of them do not realize what happens when they die. They just assume that the VA will take care of their survivors but seldom pose the question.
As one example, the rules are that if the veteran had that rating for a period of ten years, survivor benefits should play out o.k. However, if they have not held that rating for ten years, the survivor will only receive survivor benefits if the veteran’s death was determined to be “service connected”. As an example, if a veteran had a back disability and hearing loss, the death certificate isn’t going to state that he/she died from a bad back or hearing loss. It will most likely be their heart, cancer, or perhaps pulmonary. Needless to say, this leaves a major financial void for the survivor(s).
If you could articulate a better story than the above, you could explain to the reader that if this rings a bell and they happen to have hypertension, they should consider pursuing a claim even though it will not increase their amount of compensation. However, if it is awarded and they ultimately pass, the death certificate will speak to the heart failing (since everyone’s heart will fail when they pass). Having said that, service connected hypertension would become a nexus to their death and ultimately should result in securing the survivor benefits.
Thanks for providing an opertunity to comment.
My husband has tried for years but hasn’t gave up the past two years and we still not can get his corrected DD214. We read stories. And we know the hardships we go through and it is upsetting that so many of the Vietnam vets still fall through the cracks.
Is asthma a presumptive disease brought by Agent Orange?
I am a Vietnam veteran and still waiting for final decision of compensation for bladder cancer. Diagnosed in 2010 with removal of bladder, prostate and lymph nodes 2018. Already 80% VA disability due to agent orange but deserve additional compensation to 100%
I am a Vietnam Vet , I have been Waiting for my Claim to be re-evaluated!! I have been waiting for over 275 days ! Please contact me
You should include eligibility for Combat Related Special Compensation(CRSC) by applying to your service reps. Is a much needed and appreciated additional benefit AND like VA is NON TAXABLE!
How can 6,000,000 Vietnam veterans still be alive when only 2,700,000 troops (all branches including Coast Guard) were ever deployed there? In 2007, VA stated that there were 850,000 living Vietnam veterans.
If you mean Vietnam ERA veterans, kindly specify that. Saying there are six million Viet-vets out there only gives credence to the fakers and wannabes.
Six million Vietnam Veterans alive today? I don’t think so. Last figure I heard (and I read this in several places), there were a total of about 2.5 million with boots on the ground in Vietnam. Of that total, about 500,000 are still alive today.
How can there be 6 million Vietnam Vets, when only just under 3 million were deployed?
Pretty much every county seat has aVA representative. See also your RSO representative if you served and are eligible for pension.
These folks will help you file your claim for disability and benefits.
Good luck.
I am now getting a va compensation for my cancer. The county va officer filed the paperwork for me. The damm system does work sometimes. All I can say to all the Nam vets is use your va officer!!
The article states that the POWs were returned from Vietnam at the end of the war. That is a wrong assessment because facts will show that we left over 2400 POW MIAs after the war. What nonsense. I spent two and a half years with the red ribbon campaign trying to free these POWs. North Vietnamese returned a few POWs remains per year after the war. If you dig deep enough you can research this issue and find the truth. America left US servicemen to die in North Vietnamese prisons.
Disability compensation lost its real benefit to those who need it when the VA started using inept third-party examiners