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Q254:  So how far back does the payment refund from VA go back to?  My husband who now deceased was a patient at several non-VA hospital during his illnesses related to Agent Orange. He also saw non-VA related doctors. Where must I go to submit a claim?    

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A1:  His illnesses are related to Agent Orange u have to apply to VA and collect copies of medical records to submit with your claim U can let the VA request it but things move along faster if you submit that information yourself. Make a copy of all those records that you submit to the VA saw on help information for veterans to highlight significant health problems in hospital records you submit because people who review them are not always medical savvy people.  (MT)  10/1/19

    

A2:  Very sorry for your loss. The date of the initial claim for benefits is where they start. So if you are talking about filing a DIC claim it will only go back to the date of filing or date of death if your husband was already service connected and any of those issues are listed on the death certificate. If your husband had a pending claim and it is decided that he was to be service connected, you would receive any benefits he would have been entitled to up to the date of death, then would be provided month of death benefit. Check to see if there are any Veteran Service Officer assigned to your county and if not, ask one of the service organizations such as American Legion or VFW if there are any representatives in your area, or just google Veteran Service Officers but do not ever allow someone to have you pay for this service, it is a free service through legitimate organizations.  (JH)  10/1/19