How do I find if my daughter is eligible for benefits?

2LT Geraldine Fowler — Sun, 12 Jun 2022 21:09:36 -0400

I served in Viet Nam in 1965 and now receive benefits for my exposure to agent orange and its deadly medical effects. While there I found I was pregnant with my daughter who has developed leukemia and has suffered a heart attack. Could these be because of exposure to agent orange during her 1st trimester in utero? Would she be eligible for benefits?

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jun 13 at 2022 6:57 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 06:57:49 -0400

I recommend you contact the Va, your local VFW, and the DAV. Your situation sounds very unique and there will be no quick answer.

I suspect you will receive pushback, but fight for an official response in writing.

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Jun 13 at 2022 11:37 AM

SFC Kelly Fuerhoff — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 11:37:52 -0400

https://www.va.gov/family-member-benefits/#:~:text=Family%20member%20benefits-,VA%20benefits%20for%20spouses%2C%20dependents%2C%20survivors%2C%20and%20family%20caregivers,pay%20for%20school%20or%20training.

You can look through the VA site but I'm going to go with probably not. Or you'll have a very hard fight on your hands if you choose to pursue this because you are going to have to prove the exposure caused the leukemia or heart attack and I guarantee it's going to be very hard to prove.

VA.gov | Veterans Affairs

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2022 12:56 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 12:56:05 -0400

2LT Geraldine Fowler I also receive disability benefits for Agent Orange exposure. A VSO may be able to help you obtain benefits that your daughter deserves. Good luck.

https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/special-claims/birth-defects/

Birth defects linked to Agent Orange | Veterans Affairs

Spina bifida is a spinal cord birth defect. A baby develops spina bifida while still in the womb. In some cases, a parent’s past contact with specific chemicals causes this birth defect. If you served in Vietnam or Thailand, or in or near the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)—and your child has spina bifida or certain other birth defects—your child may be able to get disability benefits. Find out if your child qualifies for benefits.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2022 4:13 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 16:13:42 -0400

Talk to a VSO (Veterans Services Officer) at a DAV, VFW etc.

Directory of Veterans Service Organizations.
https://www.va.gov/vso/

VA.gov | Veterans Affairs

Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services youâve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family memberâlike health care, disability, education, and more.

Response by PFC Eddie Masterson made Jul 15 at 2022 12:50 PM

PFC Eddie Masterson — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 12:50:27 -0400

You need to go to someone like Disabled American Veterans! they were Wight the claim up for you and your daughter will get help she needs! Who did your claim? The same people will help you get the help your daughter needs I know my Son needed HELP and he got it from the VA!

Response by SSG Bill McCoy made Oct 11 at 2022 10:54 AM

SSG Bill McCoy — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 10:54:40 -0400

Consult with a VSO (Veteran Service Officer). Some counties have full time Veteran Reps who are VSO certified; many American Legions and VFW's do and at least where I'm at, there is a VSO at our VA clinic (who is independant). They most likey can answer your question, and help you file a claim if she is eligible.