Question:
I contacted prostate cancer in 2003. Had a radical prostatectomy in October of 2003. I did not know that prostate cancer was included in the presumptive category. I filled an agent orange form way back but the conclusion was I wasn't eligible. I applied for compensation today thru the VO. Can I receive retroactive payments for compensation? I am still cancer free but with quite a few side effects of surgery
Jim's Reply:
We have a few problems. First up, I don't know what an "agent orange form" is. To my knowledge there is no such form since every veteran who set boots on the ground in the RVN is eligible for certain presumptive benefits. Eligibility is established by in-country service so you're eligible for presumptive prostate cancer benefits. To obtain any benefits we have to file for them. Claiming that we didn't know there was a benefit available isn't enough because VA and other popular news and information sources have long made information about agent orange available. To receive benefits we have to file a claim so there aren't any retro benefits that will be available to you. Now that you've filed for the benefit you'll be scheduled for a C & P exam. The exam will assess the side effects you speak of and you'll eventually get a rating...probably 20% to 60% depending on how bad your symptoms are.