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Prostate Cancer and Agent Orange Exposure

Prostate cancer affects the prostate, a small gland in the male reproductive system. Some forms of prostate cancer are slow-growing and do not spread at all. These types of prostate cancer may go unnoticed and may not even require treatment. Other forms of prostate cancer, however, may grow rapidly and spread to other parts of the body causing a variety of medical problems.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in men. It can be treated effectively if it is detected early and has not spread too far. It is crucial to understand the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer to be able to have a better chance at detected it early.

Linking Agent Orange and Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is more common among Veterans who were exposed to the toxic herbicide Agent Orange. The adverse effects of Agent Orange exposure have been well documented in recent years, with more and more illnesses becoming associated with the chemical. One of those illnesses is prostate cancer. If you are a Veteran who was exposed to Agent Orange and you developed prostate cancer, you are entitled to disability compensation.

In fact, prostate cancer is on the presumptive service connection list for Agent Orange. Presumptive service connection means the VA presumes your service caused the disability, meaning you do not need to prove the two are linked. Therefore, you only need to have a current diagnosis of Hodkin’s Lymphoma and prove that you were exposed to Agent Orange in service to receive disability compensation.

Symptoms

Many different symptoms are associated with prostate cancer. Symptoms of prostate cancer include[i]:

  • Trouble urinating
  • Decreased force in the urine stream
  • Blood in semen
  • Discomfort in the pelvic area
  • Bone pain
  • Erectile dysfunction (ED)

What Causes Prostate Cancer?

A question you might be asking yourself after a diagnosis may be, “How did I get this disease?” Cancer can be caused by a variety of factors. Cancer is simply the uncontrolled reproduction of cells. One cell mutates and continues to reproduce other mutated cells. These cells produce more and more until there is not enough room for the healthy cells to perform their intended functions.

Cancer can be caused by a variety of factors. One of the more common ways cancer can begin is by exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins, like Agent Orange. These chemicals can leave little or no immediate impact on a person but come back later in life as a serious disease.

VA Benefits for Prostate Cancer

If you have been exposed to Agent Orange and developed prostate cancer, you may qualify for substantial compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These contaminants may have lingered in your body for decades and your body is just now beginning to show symptoms of being exposed to these harmful chemicals. You deserve compensation from the VA for your diagnosis.

Call Today

If you or someone you know has served in the military and was exposed to Agent Orange but was denied disability benefits, call one of the talented VA attorneys at Berry Law today for a free consultation to see how we can work with you to appeal the VA’s decision. Many of our staff are Veterans themselves. We know what it means to serve; we know the fight, and we will fight for you. Call today.

Berry Law

The attorneys at Berry Law are dedicated to helping injured Veterans. With extensive experience working with VA disability claims, Berry Law can help you with your disability appeals.

This material is for informational purposes only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship between the Firm and the reader, and does not constitute legal advice. Legal advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case, and the contents of this blog are not a substitute for legal counsel.

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