Hodgkin’s lymphoma has been linked to Agent Orange exposure. Agent Orange is an herbicide used during the Vietnam War. Lymphoma is also known as Hodgkin’s disease. It is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s immune system. The disease is characterized by the uncontrolled and rapid reproduction of abnormal cells in the lymphatic system, potentially spreading to other parts of the body.
Veterans who have developed lymphoma as a result of Agent Orange exposure during their military service are eligible for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability benefits. Ohio VA Disability Attorneys can provide the specialized legal assistance needed to secure these benefits.
Research has established a connection between exposure to Agent Orange and the development of Hodgkin’s lymphoma in Vietnam Veterans. The chemicals found in Agent Orange have been shown to increase the risk of contracting Hodgkin’s lymphoma later in life. As a result, the VA has recognized this link and offers presumptive service connection for Veterans diagnosed with the disease.
Presumptive service connection is a law that simplifies the process of obtaining disability benefits for certain conditions. In the case of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, if a Veteran can prove they served in an area where Agent Orange was used and has a current medical diagnosis of the disease, the VA presumes a connection between the two. The VA presumes Agent Orange exposure if the veteran served:Â
Veterans can also be entitled to the presumption if they can show they were on active duty in a regular Air Force unit location where C-123 aircraft with traces of AO were assigned, and had repeated contact with the aircraft during flight, ground, or medical duty; or if they can show they were involved with transporting, testing, storing, or other uses of AO during service.
If a Veterans qualify for the presumption, the Veterans do not need to provide evidence that Agent Orange directly caused their cancer, as the VA assumes a causal relationship.
The Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 extended the presumption of herbicide exposure to Veterans who served in the offshore waters of the Republic of Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975. The act was signed into law on June 25, 2019, and took effect on January 1, 2020.
The Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 covers Veterans even if they did not set foot on Vietnamese soil. It has had a significant impact on the lives of many Veterans who were previously denied benefits due to the VA’s previous interpretation of the “boots on the ground” policy.
The act has made it easier for these Veterans to receive the disability compensation and healthcare benefits they deserve for their service-connected conditions, including lymphoma and other cancers associated with Agent Orange exposure. It also extended benefits to survivors of Veterans who passed away due to conditions related to Agent Orange exposure.
While there is no single clear cause of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, exposure to dangerous chemicals like Agent Orange has been identified as a risk factor. The disease begins when a lymphocyte, a type of infection-fighting cell, undergoes a mutation.
This mutation allows the cell to rapidly reproduce other mutated cells, eventually overcrowding the lymphatic system with cells that cannot perform their intended function. As the cancer progresses, a person will begin to exhibit symptoms of Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Early signs of Hodgkin’s lymphoma may include:
Veterans with lymphomas, such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, resulting from Agent Orange exposure during their military service may be eligible for various forms of compensation from the VA. The VA disability rating system plays a crucial role in determining the level of compensation a Veteran receives for their service-connected condition.
The VA assigns disability ratings to service-connected conditions based on the severity of the disability. Ratings are expressed as percentages, ranging from 0% to 100%, in 10% increments. A higher percentage indicates a more severe disability and, consequently, a higher level of compensation.
For lymphomas, the VA assigns a 100% disability rating during active cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other therapeutic procedures. This 100% rating continues for six months following the completion of treatment. After six months, the VA will schedule a follow-up examination to reassess the Veteran’s condition and assign an appropriate disability rating based on any residual symptoms or impairments.
Navigating the VA disability claims process can be complex and time-consuming. A skilled Veterans disability lawyer can assist Veterans in filing initial claims, appealing denied claims, and gathering the necessary evidence to support their case. These attorneys understand VA regulations and can help ensure that Veterans receive the benefits they deserve for their service-connected conditions, such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma caused by Agent Orange exposure.
Particularly if a Veteran has been denied disability benefits for Hodgkin’s lymphoma, or if they feel their VA disability rating is too low, they should talk to a qualified Veterans disability lawyer as soon as possible. A VA disability lawyer experienced in handling Agent Orange cases can help Veterans navigate the claims process and fight for the compensation they deserve.
Veterans with lymphomas caused by Agent Orange exposure during their military service may be eligible for significant compensation from the VA, including monthly disability payments, healthcare benefits, and additional support for their dependents. An experienced Agent Orange benefits lawyer is a valuable advocate to help navigate the claims process.
Many of the lawyers and staff at Berry Law are also Veterans, including Vietnam Veterans. They understand the particular challenges of bringing a VA disability benefits claim for Agent Orange exposure. Veterans can rely on this legal team to work closely with them, providing support and guidance to secure the justice and compensation they deserve. Berry Law offers a free consultation and case evaluation. The law firm represents Veterans in all 50 states and its legal team is available 24/7. Call 888-883-2483 or fill out our online contact form and get started today.
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