What is the Average Compensation for Agent Orange Claims?

The typical level of VA disability benefits for Agent Orange claims varies based on an individual veteran’s level of impairment from their service-connected injury or illness.

Summary

• Agent Orange exposure has led to various severe health conditions in Vietnam War veterans, entitling them to VA disability benefits.
• VA disability compensation rates for 2024 range depending on a veteran’s disability rating, number of dependents, and eligibility for Special Monthly Compensation.
• Eligibility for VA disability benefits requires proof of service during the time and location of Agent Orange use, a medical diagnosis, and a nexus between the diagnosis and Agent Orange exposure.
• Veterans with presumptive conditions related to Agent Orange exposure are assumed to have a service connection.

More than 50 years after the U.S. military first utilized Agent Orange, many Vietnam War veterans are still suffering from the adverse health effects linked to the toxic chemical weed killer. The VA recognizes an array of service-related injuries and illnesses caused by Agent Orange exposure, entitling vets to VA disability benefits.  

Treating and coping with Agent Orange-related conditions, like lung cancer or Parkinson’s Disease, can quickly become expensive and exhausting. Veterans often want to ensure that the average compensation for Agent Orange claims will be sufficient to help offset their medical bills and loss of income.

Our team of veterans disability claims attorneys at VetLaw understands the importance of maximizing your benefits. As your legal representatives, we will remain communicative throughout the VA disability claims process, build and present a convincing appeal for compensation, and consider your needs at every step. 

Get in touch with our team at (855) 738-6732 or through our online contact form to schedule a free consultation today.

Current Average Compensation for Agent Orange Claims for Disabled Veterans

Veterans who are eligible to receive compensation for Agent Orange claims should determine their combined VA disability rating, and then look at the current Veterans Disability Compensation Rates for 2024.

Your Agent Orange compensation rate is not based exclusively on your level of disability, although this is the primary factor the VA uses to determine your monthly payments.

Examples of Monthly Payments for Agent Orange-Related Disabilities

The following ranges are examples based on the VA’s 2024 average compensation rates. 

Single veteran, no dependents: $171.23/month for a 10% VA disability rating to $3,737.85/month for a 100% VA disability rating

Married veteran, no children: $171.23/month for a 10% VA disability rating to $3,946.25/month for a 100% VA disability rating

Married veteran, one parent: $171.23/month for a 10% VA disability rating to $4,113.51/month for a 100% VA disability rating

To find more information on rates for each VA disability rating level and for other combinations of dependents, check out these 2024 VA disability compensation rates tables. 

Remember that the VA will update these rates to correspond with annual Cost-of-Living Adjustments, so depending on how soon you file your claim, your rate may look a little different.

How the VA Decides Compensation Rates for Agent Orange Claims

The VA has a percentage system for disability benefits, which assigns each qualifying condition a percentage that aligns with the severity and frequency of the veteran’s symptoms.

Then, the VA uses a formula to calculate the veteran’s overall disability rating. This combined rating includes all of the veteran’s mental and physical service-connected conditions.

Veterans With Dependents Receive Additional Financial Compensation from the VA

The VA disability rating is connected to a set rate of monthly disability benefits. If you are married or you have dependents, then VA will increase the level of disability benefits it offers for your Agent Orange claim. In these cases, the VA presumes your service-related conditions also have a financial impact on your household.

Serious Service-Connected Disabilities Are Reflected by Higher VA Compensation Rates

Additionally, if your combined VA disability rating is 100%, you have Permanent & Total status, or you’re Individually Unemployable, you may qualify for extra compensation, like TDIU benefits. Vets with severe disabilities may qualify for Aid and Assistance benefits, which can also increase the compensation the VA offers a family.

Eligibility for VA Disability Benefits for Agent Orange Exposure

As with any VA disability claim, vets seeking compensation for Agent Orange claims will need to prove they meet the service requirements to claim entitlement. After that, veterans must offer sufficient documentation of a service-connected disability.

What Vietnam Veterans Need to Include in Agent Orange VA Disability Claims

For Vietnam veterans filing Agent Orange claims, the process involves satisfying the following:

• You served during a time and in a location where the military used Agent Orange, such as a Blue Water Zone.
• You have a medical diagnosis from a licensed healthcare provider.
• You can establish a medical nexus between your diagnosis and your exposure to Agent Orange on active duty.

The VA also maintains a list of presumptive conditions related to Agent Orange exposure. That means veterans who have a presumptive illness or injury and served in an approved location when Agent Orange exposure occurred are not responsible for demonstrating a medical nexus. 

Vietnam veterans should check the updated list of locations of Agent Orange exposure, as the PACT Act of 2022 expanded eligibility by adding five additional areas of likely exposure.

If you are unsure if you were assigned to an area impacted by Agent Orange, your VSO representative or VA-accredited disability benefits attorney may be able to help you determine that based on your military service records.

Let VetLaw Take Action to Secure VA Disability Benefits for Your Agent Orange Claim

Many veterans who suffered from Agent Orange exposure decades ago are now facing significant disabilities. At VetLaw, we believe that your sacrifices should be properly compensated and we are prepared to help.

Our team of driven, dedicated veterans disability claim appeals attorneys has the skill set necessary to effectively navigate the VA. We also have considerable experience with toxic exposure claims from multiple service eras, so you can rest assured that VetLaw understands the intricacies of these cases.

If you are struggling to obtain VA disability benefits or you are concerned that you aren’t receiving the average compensation for an Agent Orange claim due to an issue with your case, we want to hear from you.

Schedule a free case evaluation with a Vet Law team member by calling (855) 738-6732 or filling out our online contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I seek compensation for multiple Agent Orange conditions?

Yes, you can apply for VA disability benefits for more than one service-related condition. This can include a combination of presumptive conditions, pre-existing conditions, and service-connected conditions.

You can also seek VA disability benefits for Secondary Conditions that develop as a result of your Agent Orange exposure-related disabilities. Keep in mind that the VA will base your compensation off of a combined disability rating that encompasses all of your conditions.

If you have multiple Agent Orange-related health conditions that are preventing you from working, but you don’t have a 100% VA disability rating, you may still be able to qualify for additional Agent Orange compensation under the VA 70/40 rule for TDIU benefits.

How do I successfully file a VA Agent Orange Claim for compensation?

To file a VA Agent Orange claim successfully, start by gathering proof that you served in a place where Agent Orange was used, such as Vietnam. You’ll also need a medical diagnosis for a condition linked to Agent Orange, like cancer or Parkinson’s disease.

Next, you’ll need to show that your illness is connected to your service. Make sure to include all necessary medical records and military documents when submitting your claim. Working with a VA-accredited attorney can help make the process easier and improve your chances of approval.

What health conditions did Agent Orange exposure cause?

The list of medical problems connected to Agent Orange exposure is lengthy. It includes over a dozen types of cancer, such as lung cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, prostate cancer, and Chronic B-cell leukemia. 

Additionally, Agent Orange exposure can cause chronic conditions like Type II diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid issues, Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), and Parkinson’s Disease. 

Vets may also notice Agent Orange symptoms, including acne, edema, and muscle tremors. Research into the long-term health effects of Agent Orange exposure is ongoing, so this is not necessarily an exhaustive list.

Can a veteran’s dependents claim survivor benefits if the veteran died from a condition related to Agent Orange exposure?

VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for survivors is potentially available to eligible children, parents, and spouses of deceased veterans who passed away from service-related disabilities, while serving, or held a Total Disability rating at some point. Like standard VA disability benefits, this compensation is tax-free.

Children of deceased veterans must be unmarried and under 18, or unmarried and under 23 if they are in school, in order to collect DIC benefits. For the surviving parents of a deceased veteran, there is an income cap. The VA also sets out specific criteria for surviving spouses looking to claim DIC compensation.

How can I get priority consideration from the VA for my Agent Orange claim?

There are certain circumstances or statuses that qualify a veteran for expedited claim review. Generally, the VA makes these accommodations in recognition of sacrifice or due to time constraints related to pressing health issues.

Veterans with Agent Orange disability compensation claims may be able to have the VA move their case to the front if they present evidence that they are:

• Currently homeless or facing eviction/foreclosure
• Terminally ill
• Suffering from ALS or a severe injury

There are also a few non-health related reasons why the VA may agree to prioritize a veterans disability benefits claim. You may receive this consideration for your VA Agent Orange claim if you are:

• Over 85
• A former Prisoner of War
• A Purple Heart or Medal of Honor recipient

As the population of Vietnam veterans ages and faces declining health, more individuals may become eligible for expedited disability claim review.

Your veteran disability claims attorney can help you fill out VA form 20-10207 to apply for priority processing. They can also help you collect the evidence you will need to establish your eligibility for this accommodation, such as your military service records.