What VA Benefits are Vietnam Veterans Entitled To?

What VA Benefits are Vietnam Veterans Entitled To?

To start, of course, Vietnam veterans are entitled to VA disability benefits under the same circumstances as other veterans. A Vietnam vet who suffered a combat injury, was in a motor vehicle accident while on duty, or even slipped and fell in the mess hall may be entitled to veterans disability benefits.

But, there are also certain conditions that are common to many Vietnam veterans, because of particular exposures that occurred during their military service. 

Common Disabilities for Vietnam Veterans

One of the best-known and most widespread medical issues relating to service in Vietnam is Agent Orange exposure. Agent Orange exposure may cause a variety of disabilities, including several types of cancer, type II diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, ischemic heart disease, hypertension, hypothyroidism, MGUS, early onset peripheral neuropathy, and others.

These conditions are presumed service-connected for service members and veterans who served in certain areas during certain times. For Vietnam veterans that means having served in one of the following areas between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975:

• The Republic of Vietnam
• On a U.S. military vessel that operated in the inland waterways of Vietnam
• On a U.S. military vessel that operated 12 nautical miles or less seaward from the Vietnam/Cambodia demarcation line

These presumptive lists have been clarified and expanded twice in recent years: once in the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 and again in the PACT Act passed in 2022. 

Some other conditions Vietnam veterans commonly receive benefits for include: 

• Hepatitis C
• Noise-related hearing loss
• Illnesses related to exposure to other hazardous materials

VA Disability Benefits for Vietnam Veterans 

If you served in Vietnam between November 1, 1965, and April 30, 1975, and have a disability you believe may be connected to your military service, you may be entitled to veterans disability benefits. The amount of your monthly benefit and the extent of the VA healthcare and other benefits available will depend on your condition and its severity.

What’s required to establish your VA disability claim will depend on whether or not your condition is presumed service-connected, and on your particular condition. An experienced veterans disability advocate can be the best source of information about how to put together a strong, well-supported application for benefits. To learn more about how our advocates can help, contact us here or call (855) 855-8992 today.