Military Health, Tricare programs - Army Times

Agent Orange

Veterans who believe they have health problems stemming from exposure to herbicides during the Vietnam War can get free exams at VA hospitals and clinics.

Some veterans may be eligible to receive free follow-up inpatient health care if a physician determines their illness may be related to Agent Orange exposure.

A list of diseases that officials say merit compensation can be found at http://www1.va.gov/agentorange/docs/AOFACTSHEETAUG01.DOC.

Some of the diseases have a time limit for onset, starting the day the veteran left Vietnam. The veteran does not need to have been diagnosed within the time limit if a medical professional states that the disease began within that limit.

Veterans should file disability claims with VA officials promptly. If the disease is recognized, benefits are retroactive to the date of filing. VA benefits are adjusted each Dec. 1. Monthly payments range from $115 per month for single veterans rated 10 percent disabled to $2,471 per month for those rated 100 percent disabled. Rates increase based on the number of family members a veteran has.

Children of Agent Orange-affected veterans who suffer from spina bifida, a potentially disabling birth defect, may qualify for VA compensation. Severely disabled children can receive $1,550 per month; less disabled children can get $909 per month; mildly afflicted children can get $263 per month.

Children with certain birth defects born to female Vietnam veterans also are eligible for compensation ranging from $120 to $1,550 per month.

Contact: www.va.gov.