Agent Orange, Vietnam Veterans & Prostate Cancer

WHAT:  Vietnam veterans diagnosed with prostate cancer may qualify for service-connected disability compensation. Veterans who served in Korea in 1968 or 1969 may also qualify.

WHY:  The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has determined that a positive association exists between exposure to herbicides and the development of prostate cancer (and 10 other diseases).  It is presumed that veterans have been exposed to Agent Orange if they were “in country” between January 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975. There is no deadline by which the
prostate cancer must be diagnosed following Vietnam service.

HOW:  Submit a disability compensation application (VA Form 21-526) when  diagnosed with prostate cancer. Veterans submitting the application before treatment starts may get a 100% disability rating for 6 months or longer. Veterans submitting the application after treatment is completed may qualify for a reduced disability rating if the treatment resulted in side effects, such as incontinence or erectile dysfunction. If prostate cancer recurs, a veteran may be eligible for 100% disability rating.

HOW MUCH:   100% disability for following categories (see Compensation Rate Table at www.vba.va.gov for more information)

  • Veteran with spouse only: $2669/month

  • Veteran alone: $2527/month

HOW TO APPLY:

  1. Go to the VA website at www.va.gov. Click on “Compensations”. Submit the application (VA Form 21-526) online OR

  2. Submit a hard copy application (available at CPDR or VA website).

Note: Veterans with an existing disability rating may apply using a Statement in Support of Claim (VA Form 21-4131). Recommend that veterans with an existing disability rating (even 100%) submit an application in case the current disability rating becomes reduced in the future.
                                    
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Note: Send your documents “certified mail with return receipt requested” so
you know the VA has received them.

  • Copy of your DD Form 214. If your DD Form 214 does not include dates of service in Vietnam, you will need additional official documentation, such as assignment orders or medal citations that verify your presence in Vietnam.
  • Copy of biopsy report
  • VA Form 21-4142 (Authorization and Consent to Release Information to the Department of Veterans Affairs). (Form included in CPDR Agent Orange packet or go to www.forms.gov.)
  • Copy of marriage certificate, if married

WHERE TO MAIL APPLICATION: (for DC, MD, VA)
Note:  Mail to the VA Regional Office in the state in which you reside.
The addresses for states (other than MD, VA and DC) are listed in the Department of Veterans Affairs “Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents” booklet (www.va.gov) or call 1-800-827-1000.

Washington DC

Veterans Administration D.C. Regional Office
1722 I Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20421
1-800-827-1000

Virginia

Veterans Administration Virginia Regional Office
210 Franklin Road, S.W.
Roanoke, VA 24011
1-800-827-1000
Maryland
Veterans Administration Maryland Regional Office
31 Hopkins Plaza Federal Building
Baltimore, MD 21201
1-800-827-1000

FOR INFORMATION:

  • Contact Ray Walsh
    • Vietnam veteran, prostate cancer survivor and Red Cross volunteer at CPDR at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC
    • 703-425-1474 or email at raywalsh34@erols.com

  • WRAMC Veterans Affairs Field Office
    • Main Hospital-- Bldg 2A (MATC) Room 223
      • Appointment: Call 202-356-1012 (Ext 42116)
      • Walk-ins: Mon/Tues 0730-1130; Thur 0730-1600

  • Website www.va.gov/agentorange/ (Veterans Affairs)
    • Agent Orange Review” (newsletters), “Agent Orange Briefs” (Fact Sheets), and “Agent Orange Handbook”

  • Toll-free help lines
    • Dept of VA Telephone Assistance Service: 1-800-827-1000
    • Veterans Special Issue Help Line: 1-800-749-8387

  • State Veterans Affairs Departments (call state-level VA office for assistance regarding locations other than MD, VA, and DC).

    • Washington DC

    DC Department of Veteran Affairs
    Washington, DC 20002
    202-724-5454

    • Virginia

    Virginia Department of Veteran Services
    900 E. Main Street, Richmond, VA 23219
    804-786-0286; www.dvs.virginia.gov

    • Maryland

    Maryland Department of Veteran Affairs
    16 Francis Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
    410-260-3888 or 1-866-793-1577 (toll free)
    www.mdva.state.md/us

  • Veterans Service Organizations
    • American Legion: 1-800-433-3318
    • Armed Forces Services Corporation: 1-888-237-2872
    • Disabled American Veterans: 1-877-426-2838
    • Paralyzed Veterans of America: 1-800-424-8200
    • Veterans of Foreign Wars: 1-800-VFW-1988
    • Vietnam Veterans of America: 1-800-882-1316

6/16/08