Jim,
if you say lung diorders are being paid for being in Vietnam why are they arguing mine for ten years. i have what they say are deposits and they are increasing as i get older i was air mobile artillery 68-70 without the stories why would i be denied after extending constand combat duties. and agent orange,is there something wrong here
Reply:
I can't recall that I've ever said that lung disorders are being paid for. I don't know of any other advocate who says that either.
If a Vietnam veteran is diagnosed with lung cancer, that is a condition that is presumptive and associated with exposure to dioxin. The VA will evaluate the disabling condition and award a service connected rating.
However, other lung conditions are not automatically approved. The veteran must first prove that there is a condition that is associated with exposure to herbicides and then that the condition is disabling.
Your condition of "deposits" is most likely calcium deposits, a well known finding upon having a routine chest x-ray. Click http://www.ehow.com/facts_5561954_causes-calcium-deposits-lungs.html
Calcium deposits are not usually associated with exposure to Agent Orange. To be awarded a VA disability compensation benefit would require that you provide medical testimony that your condition of calcium deposits is more likely than not caused by exposure to the herbicide dioxin. Without such a statement by a competent medical expert, it is unlikely VA will approve any benefits.