The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides benefits to eligible veterans who have been diagnosed with certain diseases or conditions that are related to their military service. These diseases and conditions are referred to as "presumptive diseases" because they are presumed to be related to military service, even if there is no direct evidence of a connection. In this article, we will explore 12+ eligible diseases for VA benefits that are currently recognized by the VA.
What are Presumptive Diseases?
Presumptive diseases are conditions that are assumed to be related to military service, even if there is no direct evidence of a connection. The VA has established a list of presumptive diseases that are associated with various types of military service, including service in Vietnam, the Gulf War, and other combat zones. These diseases include a range of conditions, from neurological disorders to cancer, and are eligible for VA benefits.
Eligible Diseases for VA Benefits
The following are 12+ eligible diseases for VA benefits that are currently recognized by the VA:
- Agent Orange-Related Diseases: The VA has established a list of diseases that are associated with exposure to Agent Orange, a herbicide used during the Vietnam War. These diseases include non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, soft tissue sarcoma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
- Gulf War Syndrome: The VA recognizes a range of conditions associated with Gulf War service, including fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD is a psychological disorder that can develop after a person experiences a traumatic event, such as combat. The VA provides benefits to veterans who have been diagnosed with PTSD.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): TBI is a neurological disorder that can result from a blow to the head or a blast injury. The VA provides benefits to veterans who have been diagnosed with TBI.
- Diabetes Mellitus Type 2: The VA recognizes diabetes mellitus type 2 as a presumptive disease for veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange or served in the Gulf War.
- Heart Disease: The VA recognizes a range of heart diseases, including ischemic heart disease and hypertensive heart disease, as presumptive diseases for veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange or served in the Gulf War.
- Parkinson's Disease: The VA recognizes Parkinson's disease as a presumptive disease for veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange or served in the Gulf War.
- Prostate Cancer: The VA recognizes prostate cancer as a presumptive disease for veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange or served in the Gulf War.
- Respiratory Cancers: The VA recognizes a range of respiratory cancers, including lung cancer and bronchial cancer, as presumptive diseases for veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange or served in the Gulf War.
- Lung Disease: The VA recognizes a range of lung diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and interstitial lung disease, as presumptive diseases for veterans who served in the Gulf War.
- Leukemia: The VA recognizes a range of leukemias, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), as presumptive diseases for veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange or served in the Gulf War.
- Multiple Myeloma: The VA recognizes multiple myeloma as a presumptive disease for veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange or served in the Gulf War.
- Peripheral Neuropathy: The VA recognizes peripheral neuropathy as a presumptive disease for veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange or served in the Gulf War.
VA Benefits for Eligible Diseases
Veterans who have been diagnosed with an eligible disease may be entitled to a range of VA benefits, including:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Disability Compensation | A monthly payment to compensate for a service-connected disability |
| Medical Care | Free or low-cost medical care for service-connected conditions |
| Rehabilitation and Employment Services | Assistance with job training and placement, as well as rehabilitation services |
| Education and Training | Financial assistance for education and training programs |
| Home Loan Guarantees | Guarantees for home loans to help veterans purchase or refinance a home |
Applying for VA Benefits
To apply for VA benefits, veterans will need to submit a claim to the VA. The claim should include:
- DD Form 214: A copy of the veteran's discharge papers
- Medical Records: Copies of medical records documenting the veteran's diagnosis and treatment
- Claim Form: A completed claim form, which can be obtained from the VA's website or local VA office
The VA will review the claim and determine the veteran's eligibility for benefits. The process can take several months, so it's essential to apply as soon as possible after diagnosis.
What is the process for applying for VA benefits?
+To apply for VA benefits, veterans will need to submit a claim to the VA, which should include a copy of their discharge papers, medical records documenting their diagnosis and treatment, and a completed claim form.
How long does it take to process a VA claim?
+The process can take several months, so it’s essential to apply as soon as possible after diagnosis.
What are the eligibility requirements for VA benefits?
+Eligibility requirements vary depending on the specific benefit, but generally, veterans must have a service-connected disability or condition to be eligible for benefits.
