Vietnam War Commemoration & VA Benefits Town Hall - PowerPoint Presentation

1. Vietnam War Commemoration & VA Benefits Town HallHonoring Service, Family and SacrificeHosted by Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Columbia Regional Benefits Officein partnership with Midlands Veterans Engagement Council, State of South Carolina Dept of Veterans Affairs and Columbia VA Health Care SystemJoin via telephone:USA Toll Number: 1-404-397-1596Access Code: 199 143 2410Event Agenda:Welcome by Director Weldin and MVEC Co-Chair, COL Ronald TaylorVietnam War Commemorative Remarks and Significance of Lapel PinClaims workshop to include presentations and Q&A:Principles of Service Connection claims workshop Vietnam Era Exposures to Agent Orange and other HerbicidesDirector’s Listening Forum/Q&A Video chat, phone calls or in-person appointments with a Claims Representative are available any time Mondays – Fridays 8:00 am – 4:00 pmTo submit questions for the Director’s Listening Forum or speak with a Claims Representative directly about your VA benefits; please email Workshop.VBACMS@va.gov and include your question, name, and telephone number.Join via WebEx:Link to JoinEvent Password: Columbia319!When: Tuesday, March 30, 2021 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. ET

2. Principles of Service ConnectionColumbia VA Regional Office Veterans Benefits AdministrationMarch 20211

3. Principles of Service ConnectionPrinciples of Service ConnectionService connection connotes many factors but basically it means that the facts, shown by evidence, establish that a particular injury or disease resulting in disability was incurred coincident with service in the Armed Forces, or if preexisting such service, was aggravated therein. This may be accomplished by affirmatively showing inception or aggravation during service or through the application of statutory presumptions.VA has a Duty to Assist with Obtaining Records and a Medical Exam or Opinion.2To receive a call from a representative, leave a message or email:803-647-2488 VETASST.VBACMS@VA.GOV

4. Principles of Service ConnectionTypes of Service Connection3To receive a call from a representative, leave a message or email:803-647-2488 VETASST.VBACMS@VA.GOV

5. 4Principles of Service ConnectionExample of Direct Service ConnectionVeteran’s STRs show a single complaint of left knee strain in service with a negative separation examination. The Veteran’s claim states, “I hurt my left knee when I fell off of a truck in Vietnam, and it has hurt ever since that time.” March 2014 x-rays from the Veteran’s orthopedist show traumatic arthritis of the left knee and his private doctor provides a medical opinion stating that the Veteran’s current left knee arthritis is at least as likely as not related to the Veteran’s injury and left knee strain diagnosed in service. Veteran would be entitled to service connection for traumatic arthritis of the left kneeEvent/disease/injury in service (diagnosed with a left knee strain/reported left knee injury)Current medical diagnosis (03/14 x-rays show arthritis, left knee)Link between the two (a medical opinion provided by a private doctor)To receive a call from a representative, leave a message or email:803-647-2488 VETASST.VBACMS@VA.GOV

6. 5Principles of Service ConnectionExample of Secondary Service ConnectionVeteran was diagnosed with degenerative joint disease, left knee on active duty in 1970 and is granted direct service connection in 2000 for the left knee. Veteran is diagnosed with degenerative joint disease of the right knee in 2006. A medical opinion is furnished stating that Veteran’s right knee DJD is secondary to his left knee DJD with rationale being the right knee has suffered added stress due to compensating for the disease of the service-connected left knee.Veteran would be entitled to service connection on a secondary basis for the right kneeEvent/disease/injury in service (Veteran is service connected for the left knee)Current diagnosis (right knee degenerative joint disease)Link between the two (medical opinion provides the link)To receive a call from a representative, leave a message or email:803-647-2488 VETASST.VBACMS@VA.GOV

7. 6Principles of Service ConnectionExample of Aggravation of Pre-Existing Disability to establish Service ConnectionTo receive a call from a representative, leave a message or email:803-647-2488 VETASST.VBACMS@VA.GOVPrior to active-duty service, Veteran is diagnosed with hypertension. Physician prescribes diet and exercise to improve blood pressure readings. While on active duty, Veteran’s blood pressure readings increase, and he is prescribed medication for control of Veteran’s hypertension. A VA examiner provides a medical opinion indicating that the Veteran’s hypertension was aggravated beyond its natural progression during active-duty service (a rating specialist cannot make this medical determination alone). The Veteran would be entitled to service connection on an aggravated basis as control of Veteran’s hypertension required only diet and exercise prior to active duty, and while on active duty, medication was added for control.Event/disease/injury in service (placed on medication for pre-existing hypertension)Current diagnosis (hypertension, with medication for control)Link between the two (aggravation of the pre-existing condition during active service)

8. 7Principles of Service ConnectionExample of Presumptive Service ConnectionVeteran served in Da Nang, Vietnam, “boots on ground,” in 1968. To receive a call from a representative, leave a message or email:803-647-2488 VETASST.VBACMS@VA.GOVVeteran is diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2013. Veteran would be entitled to service connection on a presumptive basis for prostate cancer.Event/disease/injury in service (Veteran served in Vietnam in 1968; VA presumes Veteran was exposed to Agent Orange)Current diagnosis (prostate cancer)Link Between the two (§3.309(e) – If a Veteran was exposed to an herbicide agent during active military service, the following diseases shall be service-connected…) VA “presumes” the herbicide exposure caused the prostate cancer

9. 8Principles of Service ConnectionTypes of ClaimsTo receive a call from a representative, leave a message or email:803-647-2488 VETASST.VBACMS@VA.GOV

10. 9Principles of Service ConnectionEffective March 24, 2015, VA will only recognize compensation, pension, survivors, and related claims if they are submitted on required standard forms. The standard claim forms for service connection and non-service connected benefits are:VA Form 21-526EZ Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation BenefitsVA Form 21P-527EZ Application for Veterans PensionFor a detailed listing of VA Forms to be used based on the type of benefit sought, visit: www.va.gov and search for III.ii.2.B.1.b. Requirements for a Complete Claim Received on or After March 24, 2015.To receive a call from a representative, leave a message or email:803-647-2488 VETASST.VBACMS@VA.GOV

11. 10Principles of Service ConnectionAfter March 24, 2015, any communication received that is not on a standard form will be treated as a Request for Standard Application. A letter will be sent providing instruction on which form is needed to submit a formalized claim.Intent to File:VA stopped accepting informal claims on March 24, 2015.  Claimants desiring the benefit of filing an informal claim (as expressed in M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, 2.C.1.b) must now communicate to VA an “intent to file” a claim.  After March 24, 2015, a claimant may submit an Intent to File (ITF) in any of the following ways:Submitting a completed VA Form 21-0966, Intent to File a Claim for Compensation and/or Pension, or Survivors Pension and/or DIC,Calling the National Call Center (NCC) at 1-800-827-1000 and notifying a Public Contact Representative (PCR) of his or her intent to file a claim for compensation, pension, or survivors benefits, or byInitiating an application for benefits via www.va.gov/Veterans On-Line Application Direct Connect (VDC), Stakeholder Enterprise Portal (SEP) or Digits-to-Digits (D2D).To receive a call from a representative, leave a message or email:803-647-2488 VETASST.VBACMS@VA.GOV

12. 11Principles of Service ConnectionTo receive a call from a representative, leave a message or email:803-647-2488 VETASST.VBACMS@VA.GOV

13. 12Principles of Service ConnectionTo receive a call from a representative, leave a message or email:803-647-2488 VETASST.VBACMS@VA.GOV

14. 13Principles of Service ConnectionProvides the name of the claimant; the relationship to the Veteran, if applicable; and sufficient service information for VA to verify the claimed service, if applicable.Is signed by the claimant or a person legally authorized to sign for the claimant.Identifies the benefit sought.Provides a description of any symptom(s) or medical condition(s) on which the benefit is based, to the extent the form prescribed by the Secretary so requires.M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section B - Claims for Disability Compensation and-or Pension, and Claims for Survivors BenefitsBefore submitting a claim, double check to ensure the information provided on the claim form is accurate and complete.Want to read additional information?Visit www.va.gov today!To speak with a representative, call or email:803-647-2488 VETASST.VBACMS@VA.GOV

15. 14Principles of Service ConnectionKnowVA is an external-facing Web platform that provides you access to the same information claims processors use to process and make decisions on benefits claims. It contains new features like the ability to conduct key word searches, browse by topic or search by specific question. The information is always updated so you’ll never fall behind on the most up-to-date guidance.https://www.va.gov/https://www.va.gov/sign-in-faq/www.VA.gov –VA’s primary websiteIntroduction videos on VA’s YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_hn7Xv6KZI&feature=youtu.behttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KR8K8MQSVs&feature=youtu.behttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uY6OrcwOalw&feature=youtu.beGet answers to common questions about signing in to VA.gov to manage your benefits and services online. Find out how to sign in with your existing My HealtheVet or DS Logon account—or how to use ID.me to create your account.Resources:To receive a call from a representative, leave a message or email:803-647-2488 VETASST.VBACMS@VA.GOV

16. 15Principles of Service ConnectionStay up to date with information from the Columbia VA Regional Office by visiting our internet site:https://www.benefits.va.gov/ROCOLUMBIA/index.aspPublic contact is available to meet with you “virtually” or in-person. Call us at (803) 647-2488, or email VetAsst.VBACMS@va.gov, and provide your:NameContact information and,Best time of day for contact between 8:00am and 4:00pmThen, a VA representative will call or email you back within 24 hours to assist!Hours of operation: Monday–Friday, 8am–4pmOn Wednesdays, Public Contact hours will be from 8:30am - 4pm.Columbia VA Regional Office6437 Garners Ferry RoadColumbia, SC 29209

17. 16VA Benefits related to Vietnam Era Exposures to Agent Orange and other HerbicidesDuring the Vietnam War, the U.S. military used tactical herbicide agents to clear leaves and vegetation for military operations. Exposure to herbicides, including Agent Orange, has been linked to certain diseases and cancers. You may be eligible for VA disability benefits if you:1. Have a presumptive illness that’s caused by exposure to Agent Orange, and2. Served in a location that exposed you to Agent OrangeTo receive a call from a representative, leave a message or email:803-647-2488 VETASST.VBACMS@VA.GOV

18. 17Presumptive Diseases Related to Herbicide ExposureAL amyloidosisChloracne or other acneform disease consistent with chloracneType 2 diabetes (also known as Type II diabetes mellitus or adult-onset diabetes)Hodgkin's diseaseIschemic heart disease (including, but not limited to, acute, subacute, and old myocardial infarction; atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease including coronary artery disease (including coronary spasm) and coronary bypass surgery; and stable, unstable and Prinzmetal's angina)All chronic B-cell leukemias (including, but not limited to, hairy-cell leukemia and chronic lymphocytic leukemia)Multiple myelomaNon-Hodgkin's lymphomaParkinson's diseaseEarly-onset peripheral neuropathyPorphyria cutanea tardaProstate cancerRespiratory cancers (cancer of the lung, bronchus, larynx, or trachea)Soft-tissue sarcoma To receive a call from a representative, leave a message or email:803-647-2488 VETASST.VBACMS@VA.GOV

19. 18Recently Added Presumptive ConditionsOn January 1, 2021, the William M. Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 was passed into law, adding 3 new diseases to the presumptive list of conditions associated with herbicide exposure:Bladder cancerHypothyroidismParkinsonism or Parkinson-like symptomsAt this time, VA is ensuring all claims for these issues are properly developed, but final decisions on these claims are deferred until final guidance is received. To receive a call from a representative, leave a message or email:803-647-2488 VETASST.VBACMS@VA.GOV

20. 19Service Requirements for Herbicide ExposureBetween January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, you must have served for any length of time in at least one of these locations:In the Republic of Vietnam, orAboard a U.S. military vessel that operated in the inland waterways of Vietnam, orOn a vessel operating not more than 12 nautical miles seaward from the demarcation line of the waters of Vietnam and Cambodia, orOn regular perimeter duty on the fenced-in perimeters of a U.S. Army installation in Thailand or a Royal Thai Air Force base. These bases include U-Tapao, Ubon, Nakhon Phanom, Udorn, Takhli, Korat, or Don Muang.To receive a call from a representative, leave a message or email:803-647-2488 VETASST.VBACMS@VA.GOV

21. 20Additional Locations for Herbicide ExposureServed in or near the Korean DMZ for any length of time between September 1, 1967, and August 31, 1971, orServed on active duty in a regular Air Force unit location where a C-123 aircraft with traces of Agent Orange was assigned, and had repeated contact with this aircraft due to your flight, ground, or medical duties, orWere involved in transporting, testing, storing, or other uses of Agent Orange during your military service, orWere assigned as a Reservist to certain flight, ground, or medical crew duties at one of the below locations.Eligible Reserve locations, time periods, and units include:Lockbourne/Rickenbacker Air Force Base in Ohio, 1969 to 1986 (906th and 907th Tactical Air Groups or 355th and 356th Tactical Airlift Squadrons)Westover Air Force Base in Massachusetts, 1972 to 1982 (731st Tactical Air Squadron and 74th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, or 901st Organizational Maintenance Squadron)Pittsburgh International Airport in Pennsylvania, 1972 to 1982 (758th Airlift Squadron)

22. 21Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019The Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 extended the presumption of herbicide exposure to Veterans who served in the offshore waters of the Republic of Vietnam* between January 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975On November 5, 2020, the United States District Court for the Northern District of California held that, pursuant to the Nehmer Consent Decree, VA must automatically readjudicate previously filed claims based on Blue Water Navy Veterans’ presumed exposure to Agent Orange. The primary impact of the court’s decision would be to require automatic readjudication in such cases without requiring a new claim, and potentially paying benefits to the estates of deceased Veterans. VA is in the process of reviewing to determine the next steps and will provide additional information as soon as it is available."*Not more than 12-nautical miles seaward of a line commencing on the southwestern demarcation of the waters of Vietnam and CambodiaTo receive a call from a representative, leave a message or email:803-647-2488 VETASST.VBACMS@VA.GOV

23. 22Birth Defects Linked with Herbicide ExposureChildren of herbicide-exposed Veterans may be eligible for VA benefits, including health care, compensation, and job trainingSpina Bifida is a birth defect affecting the spinal cord. Children may be eligible for benefits if born to a biological mother or father whoserved in the Republic of Vietnam or Thailand between January 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975 orA unit in or near the DMZ for any length of time between September 1, 1967 and August 31, 1971Children may also be eligible for certain covered birth defects if born to a biological mother who served in Vietnam any time between January 9, 1962 through May 7, 1975Submit VA Form 21-0304 Application for Benefits for Certain Children with Disabilities Born of Vietnam and Certain Korea Service VeteransTo receive a call from a representative, leave a message or email:803-647-2488 VETASST.VBACMS@VA.GOV

24. 23Agent Orange Registry Health ExamThe Agent Orange Registry health exam is a free comprehensive examination. A VA health professional can alert you to potential long-term health issues related to Agent Orange exposure during serviceHelps VA better understand Agent-Orange related illnesses on VeteransDon’t have to be enrolled in VA healthcareBased on your recollection of service, not recordsNot a disability claimApply by contacting your local VHA Environmental Hazards Coordinator:Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center (Charleston)Columbia VA Health Care SystemPaulette Durant843-577-5011 ext. 3186paulette.durant@va.govMarilyn Sellers, NP803-776-4000 ext. 6020marilyn.seller@va.govKarin Connolly, NP803-776-4000 ext. 6443karin.connolly@va.govTo receive a call from a representative, leave a message or email:803-647-2488 VETASST.VBACMS@VA.GOV