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Q718: I was in Vietnam in the 1970's. I am 70 years old. I had open heart surgery to replace my aorta valve. I was wondering if I qualify for compensation for my surgery?
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A1: You should file a claim for Ischemic heart disease, which is one of the disease on the VA list for compensation that is associated with AO.
Veterans who develop ischemic heart disease and were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service do not have to prove a connection between their disease and service to be eligible to receive VA health care and disability compensation.
Go see your local DAV Service Claim Officer (CSO) and ask them to help you file a claim. Make sure you bring all your doc associated with your treatments. Good luck and take care.
Also, you should Goggle (Ischemic Heart Disease and Agent Orange) to read about this disability. (JL) 5/25/21
A2: Brother, if you were "boots-on-the-ground" in Vietnam, if you have not enrolled for care through the VHA - GET IT DONE. I don't have a crystal ball but I'm thinking you are probably qualified for compensation regarding your heart - as well as much more. So, my suggestion is this: 1) If you don't have a Premium MyHealtheVet account - get one a.s.a.p. 2) If you don't have a Premium eBenefits account - get one. Once you've completed this task please feel free to contact me and we can continue this discussion. (TB) 5/25/21
A3: Thanks for your service. I, too, am Vietnam vet. If you have not filed for IHD secondary to exposure to herbicides, I would do that. You have to have a diagnosis of some sort of IHD (there are different diagnosis that mean IHD) If you are already SC for IHD, then you can apply for para 30 benefits. Para 30 is when you have surgery on a SC disability and you have to convalesce more than 30 days, the VA pays you at the 100% rate. If you are hospitalized for treatment of a SC disability for more than 21 days, then the VA pays you at the 100% rate. My guess is you didn't spend more than 21 days in the hospital so para 30 benefits would fit your issue most. You can file for it on a VA Form 21-526ez. If you have a VSO, such as I, then file it through him/her. We have a POC we get the claims directly to that can expedite the claim. (DS) 5/25/21
A4: Contact Veterans Affairs Office in your area and set up an appointment to talk with them. (DV) 5/25/21
A5: You need to contact an Accredited VSO with the Am Legion, VFW, Am Vets or another Veterans Service Organization that has an Accredited VSO. Have you contacted the VSO who has your claim? I would contact him and advise him of your recent surgery. Also you did not state whether you are receiving compensation. But as a Viet Nam Veteran it is more likely than not you have a claim. (GH) 5/25/21