Soft tissue sarcoma is a serious health concern for Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange during their service. By understanding the connection between this rare cancer and Agent Orange exposure, as well as the presumptive service connection established by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), affected Veterans can seek the disability benefits they deserve.
During the Vietnam War, the United States military employed a powerful herbicide known as Agent Orange to defoliate dense jungle areas, aiming to deprive enemy forces of cover and expose their supply lines. The consequences of Agent Orange exposure have not only affected the Veterans themselves but have also extended to their children and grandchildren.
Studies have linked Agent Orange exposure to a wide range of health issues, including various cancers, such as soft tissue sarcoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. Other conditions associated with Agent Orange include type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and ischemic heart disease. The devastating effects of this herbicide have also been observed in the offspring of exposed Veterans, with an increased risk of birth defects, developmental disabilities, and other health problems.
The impact of Agent Orange on Veterans’ health serves as a solemn reminder of the hidden costs of war and the importance of providing ongoing support to those who have served their country. Research continues to uncover the full extent of the damage caused by this herbicide.
Soft tissue sarcoma is a type of cancer that develops in the tissues that connect, support, and surround other body structures, such as muscles, fat, blood vessels, nerves, and tendons. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are more than 50 different types of soft tissue sarcoma, which commonly occur in the arms, legs, and abdomen. Treatment typically involves surgery, although chemotherapy may be necessary depending on the size, location, and type of the tumor.
The symptoms of soft tissue sarcoma may not be noticeable in the early stages of the disease. However, as the tumor grows, individuals may experience:
Soft tissue sarcoma, like other cancers, arises from cellular mutations that lead to the formation of cancerous cells, or oncogenes. These abnormal cells lack the proper DNA to regulate their reproduction, leading to the rapid growth of a tumor that can invade nearby tissues.
Several risk factors can contribute to the development of soft tissue sarcoma, including genetic predisposition, radiation exposure, and chemical exposure. For Veterans, the most significant risk factor is exposure to Agent Orange. Those who encountered this herbicide during their service and later received a soft tissue sarcoma diagnosis are eligible for disability compensation from the VA.
Typically, to establish a service connection for a disability, Veterans must provide evidence of a current medical diagnosis, an in-service event that caused the injury or disability, and a nexus linking the event to the diagnosis. However, the VA has recognized the link between Agent Orange exposure and certain conditions, including soft tissue sarcoma, and has established a presumptive service connection for these disabilities.
Under the presumptive service connection, the VA acknowledges that if a Veteran has soft tissue sarcoma and can prove exposure to Agent Orange during service, the condition is presumed to be connected to their military service.
Unfortunately, it must be noted that osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma, and mesothelioma are NOT included on the VA’s list of soft tissue sarcomas that are qualified as presumptive conditions related to Agent Orange exposure.
Veterans who have a form of soft tissue sarcoma that is not included on the VA’s list of presumptive conditions may still be able to file a claim for disability benefits related to Agent Orange exposure. However, when a condition is not presumptive, the Veteran must provide evidence that demonstrates a direct link between their soft tissue sarcoma and their Agent Orange exposure during military service. This process is known as direct service connection.
Gathering the necessary evidence to support a direct service connection claim can be challenging, and the VA may require additional information or a medical examination to assess the merits of the claim. In these cases, the assistance of an experienced Veterans benefits lawyer can be particularly valuable.
The process of filing a claim for disability benefits from Agent Orange exposure can be complex, but understanding the steps involved and the evidence required can help ensure a smoother experience. To receive disability compensation, Veterans must provide evidence of Agent Orange exposure and a current medical diagnosis of soft tissue sarcoma.
Veterans should gather all relevant medical records, including a current diagnosis of soft tissue sarcoma from a qualified medical professional. They should also provide evidence of their service in Vietnam, such as their DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) or other official military documents.
Soft tissue sarcoma is considered a presumptive condition related to Agent Orange exposure. Veterans who served in Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, and have been diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma do not need to prove a direct link between their condition and their military service. The VA automatically presumes that the Veteran’s soft tissue sarcoma is connected to their Agent Orange exposure during service.
When filing the claim, Veterans should complete VA Form 21-526EZ (Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits) and submit it to the VA along with their supporting documents. After submitting the claim, the VA will review the evidence and may request additional information or schedule a medical examination to assess the severity of the Veteran’s condition. The VA will then issue a decision on the claim, either granting or denying disability compensation.
If the claim is approved, the VA will assign a disability rating based on the severity of the Veteran’s soft tissue sarcoma. This rating determines the amount of monthly compensation the Veteran will receive. If the claim is denied or the disability rating seems too low, the Veteran has the right to appeal the decision and provide additional evidence to support their case.
A Veterans benefits lawyer familiar with handling disability claims for Agent Orange can make a significant difference in the claims process to secure benefits. These skilled attorneys dedicate their practice to assisting Veterans in obtaining the disability compensation they deserve. They are skilled at navigating the VA claims system, understanding the evidence required to support a claim, and bringing the legal strategies needed to overcome obstacles and delays. When it comes to filing a claim for soft tissue sarcoma related to Agent Orange exposure, Veterans benefits lawyers can:
By working with an experienced Veterans benefits lawyer, Veterans can focus on their health and well-being while their attorney handles the legal aspects of their claim. These dedicated advocates serve as invaluable allies, using their knowledge and skills to fight for the disability benefits Veterans have earned through their service and sacrifice.
Berry Law offers extensive legal assistance to Veterans facing the intricacies of Agent Orange disability claims. The firm’s committed team of attorneys, which includes many Veterans, has the experience and dedication required to navigate the intricate claims process on behalf of their clients. Recognizing the distinct difficulties encountered by Veterans impacted by Agent Orange exposure, Berry Law is deeply committed to securing the deserved compensation for these individuals.
The knowledgeable attorneys at Berry Law build robust cases for their clients, whether they are submitting an initial claim or challenging a rejection or rating reduction. With a national presence, Berry Law stands prepared to assist Veterans throughout the United States. A seasoned Veteran disability benefits attorney is an asset in pursuing rightfully earned benefits. Call our legal team at 888-883-2483 or fill out our online contact form. We represent Veterans in all 50 states and our legal team is available 24/7.
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