How Does Agent Orange Impact My Family?
For most veterans who are injured, become ill or suffer toxic exposures during their military service, the injury ends with them. Their families may be impacted by the veteran’s medical condition and related emotional and financial stresses, and the veteran may receive additional VA disability benefits to assist the family if they have dependents. But Agent Orange is different. There is a long list of medical conditions presumed service-connected for veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange. That means those veterans can receive VA disability benefits without having to prove that conditions on that list are service-connected. But, the problems don’t end there.
There is substantial data showing that children of veterans exposed to Agent Orange during their military service may themselves have debilitating medical conditions. As those veterans and their children age, evidence is emerging that grandchildren of exposed veterans may also be suffering the effects of that exposure.
Medical Problems in Children of Veterans Exposed to Agent Orange
Only veterans get VA disability benefits, but other benefits may be available for the child of a veteran exposed to Agent Orange who suffers certain birth defects. Those conditions are:
Spina Bifida
A person may qualify for compensation if they have spina bifida and either their biological father or biological mother served:
- In Vietnam between January 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975, or
- In or near the Korea demilitarized zone between September 1, 1967 and August 31, 1971
To be eligible, the child must have been conceived at some point after the parent entered the qualifying zone.
Other Birth Defects
Several other birth defects may qualify a child for these benefits, but these additional conditions are presumed to have been caused by the parent’s military service only if the biological mother served in Vietnam between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975.
These conditions are:
- Achondroplasia
- Cleft lip
- Cleft palate
- Congenital heart disease
- Congenital talipes equinovarus (club foot)
- Esophageal and intestinal atresia
- Hallerman-Streiff syndrome
- Hip dysplasia
- Hirschprung’s disease (congenital megacolon)
- Hydrocephalus due to aqueductal stenosis
- Hypospadias
- Imperforate anus
- Neural tube defects
- Poland syndrome
- Pyloric stenosis
- Syndactyly (fused digits)
- Tracheoesophageal fistula
- Undescended testicle
- Williams syndrome
Note, however, that the presumption doesn’t apply if there is a family history of a congenital disorder, a birth injury that explains the defect, or other well-established cause.
Call 1-888-373-4722 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
Benefits for Children With Birth Defects Connected to a Parent’s Military Service
A child impacted by a birth defect related to a parent’s military service may receive monthly monetary benefits, which are determined based on the extent of the disability. If the child qualifies for these benefits, they may also be entitled to health care and vocational training.
To learn more about how Disabled Vets can help you secure the VA disability benefits and related benefits your family deserves, call 888-373-4722 or fill out our contact form here.
Read More Here:
- Can My Spouse Receive My VA Disability After I Die?
- The Easiest Way to a 100% VA Disability Rating
- VA Benefits For Spouses of 100% Disabled Veterans
Call 1-888-373-4722 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
