VA recently updated it list of ships that qualify for a presumption of Agent Orange exposure. The Agent Orange presumption is crucial for many veterans to prove that their disabilities are a result of Agent Orange exposure. Without this presumption, it is very difficult to establish actual Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam.
Which ships qualify for the Agent Orange presumption?
Veterans and their families who served on ships during Vietnam can check VA’s ship list to see if their service qualifies them for a presumption of Agent Orange exposure. Ships and boats that presently qualify for the Agent Orange presumption include vessels in the Mobile Riverine Force and the Inshore Fire Support (IFS) Division 93.
Other vessels qualifying for the presumption include vessels with the following designations:
- AGP (Assault Group Patrol/Patrol Craft Tender)
- LCM (Landing Craft, Mechanized)
- LCU (Landing Craft, Utility)
- LCVP (Landing Craft, Vehicle, Personnel)
- LST (Landing Ship, Tank)
- PBR (Patrol Boat, River)
- PCF (Patrol Craft, Fast or Swift Boat)
- PG (Patrol Gunboat)
- STABS (Strike Assault Boats)
- WAK (Cargo Vessel)
- WHEC (High Endurance Cutter)
- WLB (Buoy Tender)
- WPB (Patrol Boat)
- YFU (Harbor Utility Craft)
VA also has a alphabetized ship list that veterans and their families can check to see if they qualify for the Agent Orange exposure presumption.
If I served on a covered ship or boat, how does the Agent Orange presumption help?
Veterans who qualify for the presumption of exposure to Agent Orange should be eligible to receive disability benefits if they suffer from a condition presumed to be cause by Agent Orange such as Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, certain heart conditions, and certain cancers. Even if a veteran suffers from a condition that is not on the list of presumptive conditions, the veteran can still attempt to prove that the condition was caused by Agent Orange exposure. The presumptive conditions simply make it easier for a veteran to qualify for benefits.
More Questions about Veterans Benefits
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