For veterans who served in Vietnam, exposure to Agent Orange has been linked to an increased risk of developing prostate cancer. This aggressive form of cancer can have a devastating impact on veterans’ lives, but VA disability benefits are available to help. If you or a loved one served in Vietnam and have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and were exposed to Agent Orange, you may be entitled to compensation.
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.
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.
The VA recognizes the link between Agent Orange exposure and prostate cancer. This means that if you served in Vietnam during specific periods and have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, the VA presumes your condition is service-connected. This is known as “presumptive service connection.”
Important Note: While presumptive service connection simplifies the process, you’ll still need to provide documentation of your service in Vietnam and your prostate cancer diagnosis.
Many different symptoms are associated with prostate cancer. Symptoms of prostate cancer include[i]:
A question you might be asking yourself after a diagnosis may be, “How did I get this disease?” 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.
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.
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.
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