Vietnam veterans have had a long and difficult fight to get the government to compensate them for the serious health problems created by exposure to Agent Orange. This toxic herbicide was widely used in that war as a defoliant. The use of Agent Orange was not only confined to Vietnam, however. It was also used as a defoliant in Thailand. However, for years the government denied that herbicides were used in Thailand and it also denied the benefits claims of vets who served in that country.

All this changed in 2010 when the VA established what they called a  “perimeter policy” which allows Vietnam Era veterans presumptive disability for Agent Orange exposure in Thailand if they can show that their duties placed them “on or near” the perimeter of their base. If  you served in Thailand between January 1962 and May 1975 and you were a security policeman,  patrol dog handler, part of a security police squadron, or otherwise served near an air base perimeter and now are suffering medical problems you may be eligible for VA disability benefits.

To get these benefits you must file an application with the VA. When you apply, you’ll have to prove that you were stationed at one or more of certain specific military bases in Thailand. And you will need to provide supporting documents that show you had regular perimeter security duty—such as daily work duty logs, performance evaluation reports, or other records showing you worked as a dog handler or a member of a security squadron or military police unit.

Exposure to Agent Orange has been linked to a broad range of illnesses, including diabetes, various cancers, Parkinson’s Disease, peripheral neuropathy, and a type of heart disease. 

Cases for disability due to Agent Orange exposure can be complicated, but you don’t have to do this on your own. If you believe you qualify for VA compensation for Agent Orange related disabilities, we encourage you to contact us at Cuddigan Law to help you fight for the benefits you have rightly earned.

 

 

Sean D. Cuddigan
Connect with me
SSA and VA Disability Attorney in Omaha, Nebraska