Veterans of the Vietnam war have wondered if they are eligible for Agent Orange payouts. The Vietnam War in the 1960s prompted the U.S. military to use a toxic chemical herbicide. “Agent Orange” was used to defoliate forests. Subsequently, the enemy’s food source was attacked. Agent Orange contained dangerously toxic dioxin.
Its intended purpose was purely tactical. However, Agent Orange as well as other chemical herbicides horribly impacted the health of people exposed to them.
Anyone exposed to Agent Orange is prone to developing serious health conditions. For example, various cancers are a common consequence of exposure. Veterans can, however, receive fair compensation. Also, there are instances where children of veterans exposed can receive benefits for certain health conditions as well.
Consequently, Vietnam Veterans took legal action. A class-action lawsuit was filed as a result of their exposure to the chemical. Therefore, the major manufacturers of the chemical were held responsible.
It was the largest settlement of its kind during that time. As a result, they reached a settlement totaling 180 million dollars. The plaintiff class consisted of approximately 10 million people and the fund was distributed to its class members. Many veterans have benefited from these payouts.
Interestingly, the payouts were divided into two programs for maximum benefits. Vietnam Veterans and their families can take advantage of these programs. First, is a Payment Program. This program provides a cash payout is for the disabled Veterans.
Additionally, survivors of the deceased Veterans may be eligible. Second, is a Class Assistance Program. In this case, they provide funds for social services organizations. Together, these organizations and networks work to enable the benefits of the class as a whole.
The payouts for the Settlement Fund distributed $197 million to class members in the United States during its operation. An estimation of 52,000 Vietnam Veterans or survivors received a payout at an average of $3,800 each.
Medical researches have linked the chemical herbicide to many serious health conditions. Periodically, new conditions are added to the list. Currently, the list contains the following:
Besides the ten listed above, as noted earlier, there may be other conditions that indicate exposure to the chemical.
If you or a loved one have been exposed to Agent Orange, you no doubt already are aware of this. However, you might have had contact with the herbicide if you served in these forms:
As a rule, if you have served in any of the above locations during the specified time, you have most likely been exposed.
So then, what are the requirements for eligibility? As a rule, you will need the following:
For the most part, getting your records in order before applying will be to your advantage. Consequently, the application process will go smoothly and you may become eligible for payouts.
They require certain types of evidence to prove eligibility. For example, medical and military records need to be submitted. We list the specifics below.
In brief, having an accurate record of your service will speed the process of applying. Above all, be persistent.
In addition to the conditions listed above, some veterans may feel that their specific illness is Agent Orange related. If you feel this is true in your case, you will need to verify with the evidence listed below.
Lastly, submit a military record that shows the location and dates of your military service similar to those stated above.Especially helpful would be to request a health exam to determine further if you have an Agent Orange related illness
So then, the question is, once it’s determined that you are eligible, what benefits are available? Below are listed three ways to receive benefits. These benefits and payouts cover Veterans and qualified dependents like your children.
Generally speaking, your child can qualify for payouts and benefits. Spina bifida is a spinal cord birth defect and it may be linked to the herbicide. If you served in Vietnam, in or near the Korean DMZ, or Thailand, and your child has spina bifida or other birth defects, then the child can receive disability benefits. Check below to see if your children may be eligible.
These requirements should be true for child eligibility from spina bifida or other birth defects. As stated earlier, you will need to provide proof.
There are three types of payouts that a child may be eligible for. They include:
Receiving any or all of these payout benefits will be advantageous to any who qualify. In particular, health care and job training will be of lasting benefit.
In order to receive benefits you will need to file a claim on their behalf by submitting these:
In summary, receiving a payout or compensation for Agent Orange related illnesses will require that you have accurate records and persistence.
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