How can I verify eligibility for presumptive agent orange benefits?

PO2 Paul Smith — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 12:48:47 -0400

I am a VN veteran with one of the "presumptive" agent orange conditions. My ship operated within the "presumptive" area however our operations are still classified. How can I verify eligibility for agent orange disability benefits?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2021 1:20 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 13:20:22 -0400

Thats gonna be a hard one to prove. There are veterans receiving benefits from classified ops in Laos and Cambodia. I find it hard to believe you are not receiving these benefits. The VA does not use "Presumptive" or "Possible" when determining eligibility. Thats like saying someone was in the "presumptive" area in which burn pits were used but can not confirm they were actually exposed.

Your best option would be to reference Blue Water Navy (BWN) Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 and determine if your ship meets the conditions of the Act.

Response by SSG Bill McCoy made Oct 11 at 2022 11:10 AM

SSG Bill McCoy — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 11:10:04 -0400

If you have a Vietnam Campaign or Vietnam Service medal, or an Espeditionary Medal for Vietnam service, that would probably suffice to prove eligibility. I have read however, that the VA tends to stonewall blue water Vets despite their eligibility.