In simplest terms, the VA pays Compensation for some injury, illness, or lingering effect caused by being in the military. The clearest example of this is a battlefield injury. A person was wounded, lost their eyesight; it will never be fixed. The VA pays compensation monthly.
There are other conditions for which the VA grants compensation. There are diseases that were first diagnosed during service time, or aggravated during service time. Plus, there are conditions that show after separation from the military, but may still be linked back to service time.
Often these diseases are chronic. A disease such as Diabetes Mellitus may progress and the amount of disability increases. As the disability increases the amount of Compensation may grow.
The following outlines the reasons for Compensation:
· Direct line of duty injury
· Presumptive Diseases
· Tropical Diseases
· Diseases Specific to Former POWs
· Radiation Related Diseases
· Vietnam Service or Korean (DMZ 1968-69) Agent Orange exposure*
· Diseases of Naval Personnel Exposed to Mustard Gas (1943-45 Naval Research Lab) Persian Gulf - this is still in the process of being researched and defined.
· Pre-service Condition Aggravated during time in service
· Conditions Secondary to Service Connected Disability
· Asbestosis
· Injury in a VA facility
·
Compensation is normally awarded in some percentage of disability. This is awarded in increments of 10 percentage points running from 0% to 100%. There may also be special monthly cash awards for certain injuries or conditions.
NOTE: Benefits have changed related to Agent Orange Exposure:
In 1998 Congress approved the payment of compensation to the children of individuals who were exposed to Agent Orange, if these children had Spina Bifida. This is the first time direct compensation has been granted to the children of veterans.
In 1999 Congress approved the linking of Diabetes to Agent Orange exposure. This means that individuals with Diabetes who were exposed to Agent Orange with can apply for Service Connection.
In 2001 Congress approved additional service connections and compensation in regards to birth defects. The offspring of women veterans exposed to Agent Orange with defects other than Spina Bifida can be considered for compensation. This started as of Dec 2001. Check with RO for more details.
In 2003 the list of birth defects for the offspring of female veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange was expanded. All of these children can be considered for service connected benefits similar to Spina Bifida children.
The benefit for these children have been expanded. They include health care, compensation, and vocational rehabilitation training. For more on these benefits contact RO for more details.
In 2004 the compensation benefits for offspring were extended to the children of veterans having served at the DMZ in Korea in 1968 – 1969. The veterans themselves are considered Agent Orange exposed and have the same considerations of Vietnam veterans.
In 2004 the Institute of Medicine affirmed that it was impossible to put time limitations on the development of respiratory cancers linked to Agent Orange exposure, reinforcing an earlier change to the law. In practical terms this means that the veteran can claim service connection for certain respiratory cancers for the remainder of life.
In 2005 the Institute of Medicine reaffirmed the link between diabetes and Agent Orange.
*In the summer of 2006 DoD came out with a list of other sites where Agent Orange was used or tested. DoD stated at the time that this new list was not a complete list and would be updated. The list is available on the VA website on the Agent Orange home page.
In 2006 the Board of Veterans Appeals rejected the concept that 24 hours in country is the only criteria for Agent Orange exposure. The case affects Navy personnel who served in Vietnam. Criteria covering these veterans have not been established (at the time of this booklet going to press).
For more information call the Agent Orange Hotline: 1 800 749 8387
Editor’s Note: We also offer a companion booklet on up to date information on Agent Orange Benefits: Agent Orange Primer 2007 which can be requested through the VIST Coordinator
NOTE: Other Benefit Changes
In 2004 the government conceded that Gulf War Syndrome was real. It will be determined over the next years what is SC in regards to Gulf War Syndrome. In 2007 this was extended until 2011.
In 2004 benefits for POWs continued to expand. Heart attacks and strokes were added as presumptive conditions.
Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom, OIF/OEF
There are many benefits in the VA, DoD, and private sector for OIF/OEF veterans get with your VIST Coordinator to look at these benefits.
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