The New Presumptives

Question:

Jim, I noticed your site says that hypothyroidism is not an Agent Orange presumptive. This condition became a presumptive as of January 2021. This year. Please check out the new Agent Orange presumptives for 2021.

Jim's Reply:

I could have addressed this situation more clearly I suppose. In a nutshell, nothing has changed.

The '3 new presumptives' have been passed by Congress but not yet ratified by the VBA. Thus there are no benefits available at this time. The veteran who believes he or she is eligible for any benefit should file for it...no changes there. 
 

However, until VBA ratifies the rules of the benefits, there aren't any benefits. Until that happens I recommend filing the claim with an IMO. Again, no changes to the process of filing a claim.
 

"In January, officials from President Donald Trump’s VA leadership team said it could be months or years before veterans suffering from bladder cancer, hypothyroidism and Parkinson’s-like symptoms — three new conditions added presumptive benefits list by Congress last year — would see any benefits from the change in law."
 

I don't like to promote false hope and the fact is, that at the moment the paperwork hasn't yet been completed for these benefits. Until VA finishes what Congress has ordered, nothing happens. When you see it published on the official VA web site, then you'll know it's done.