SERVING
Those That
SERVED
Questions & Answers
INSTRUCTIONS: Please read each question carefully. If you are able to answer question appropriately use the form below the question to respond. Your name will not appear on the public answer page. Only your initials and date of your response will be visible.
Q745: I had throat cancer for which I received 0 % … I had 32 rounds of radiation. Slowly through the years my teeth have been rotting and had to get pulled. I am now at the point where so many of my teeth are missing I’m going to have them all pulled and get dentures. This is result of radiation. Am I entitled to any disability for this as it is a result of the radiation? I am 79. Thank you.
If you have a question about benefits, compensation, pension or VA related issues please submit here.
Use Form Below To Respond
Your generous gift will go directly to helping veterans and dependents. We simply cannot continue without your help for our community of veterans and dependents who count on us for our Veteran Pantry. Your support will make a lasting impact.
A1: Well, it all depends on what made your teeth "rot" through the years. I had a vet w/ service connected throat cancer. They removed all his salivary glands which caused xerostomia and his teeth to deteriorate to the point they fell out and he also has jaw bone deterioration due to the radiation treatments. The VA is hesitant to rate tooth loss because many times it is due to improper hygiene. In your case, it will be up to the C&P examiner to make the relationship to the throat cancer. At any case, file the claim through an accredited service officer and let the VA make the decision. If you don't agree with their decision, then you can certainly disagree with it. (DS) 6/28/21
A2: If all of what you say was a result of your military experience and you can substantiate that then the answer is yes. (DJ) 6/28/21
A3: Since your throat cancer was rated service-connected (even though 0% compensable), your dental issues COULD be related to the radiation treatment you received, making it a secondary disability. As already suggested, get with a Service Officer and file for it. If you don't ask, they can't say "yes". (DJ) 6/28/21
A4: All disability claims must be determined to be from a service connected origin. It's difficult to answer your question because you didn't say that a claim was denied or rejected. when was the last time you followed up on a claim that you submitted. VA will treat a qualified veteran for any ailment, disorder or disease. However, you have to initiate a claim for disability compensation. Your medical history and your service history will serve as substantiation for disability compensation. You can't score a homerun if you don't step up to the plate. (GC) 6/28/21