Disability Benefits for Vietnam War Veterans
After intense and traumatic experiences overseas, our Vietnam War veterans often dealt with difficult homecomings and significant long-term health challenges. These vets deserve recognition for their sacrifices and full access to all the benefits they’ve earned through their service.
Rob Levine Law is committed to helping Vietnam veterans like you get the benefits they deserve. Our dedicated veterans disability attorneys explain what benefits are available to you and help you pursue them. If you need help accessing your benefits, contact us online or call (800) 742-3920 today for more information.
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Legally Reviewed by:
Last Updated:
October 2, 2025
Table of Contents
- What Types of Disability Benefits Are Available for Vietnam War Veterans?
- Eligibility for Disability Vietnam War Veteran Disability Benefits
- How to Apply for Disability Benefits for Vietnam War Veterans
- Common Challenges in the Claims Process for Vietnam War Veterans
- Why Choose Rob Levine Law for Your Vietnam War Veteran Disability Benefits Case?
- Hear from Our Satisfied Vietnam Veteran Clients
- Our Vietnam War Veterans Disability Lawyers
- Vietnam War Veterans Benefits FAQs
What Types of Disability Benefits Are Available for Vietnam War Veterans?
The Department of Veterans Affairs provides benefits to U.S. military veterans, including the following:
- Disability compensation
- Health care coverage
- Pension benefits for low-income vets or their surviving family members
- Vocational rehabilitation, education, training, and employment assistance programs
- Life insurance plans
- Home loan assistance
- Burial costs
Vietnam veterans also have reduced barriers to disability compensation for conditions caused by exposure to Agent Orange during their service.
Some veterans with severe disabilities or a need for daily assistance can qualify for additional special monthly compensation, or SMC. Retired veterans who were injured in combat can also receive Combat-Related Special Compensation, or CRSC, to aid with a disability.
Eligibility for Disability Vietnam War Veteran Disability Benefits
To receive VA disability benefits, a Vietnam veteran must have a medical condition connected to their military service and have a discharge status other than dishonorable. Qualifying conditions include physical ailments like traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, and mental illnesses like post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.
The VA presumes some conditions are service-connected, meaning a veteran doesn’t have to provide a service connection to receive disability compensation. For veterans who served within Vietnam or on a vessel in or near the country between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, several conditions, including cancer and Parkinson’s disease, are presumed to be connected to Agent Orange exposure.
If your condition isn’t considered “presumptive,” your doctor can help you establish a service connection by writing a “nexus letter” describing the link between your disability and your time in Vietnam.
How to Apply for Disability Benefits for Vietnam War Veterans
Filling out an online application is the fastest way to submit a benefits claim, but you also have the option to mail your application or submit it in person. To navigate the process with minimal stress and maximize your chances of success, it’s important to consult with a lawyer who specializes in VA claims.
There are also Local Veterans Service Organizations, or VSOs, that can help you with your application. Some prominent VSOs include:
Common Challenges in the Claims Process for Vietnam War Veterans
Vietnam veterans might face certain difficulties when applying for benefits. Some common challenges may include:
- Proving Agent Orange exposure: “Blue Water Navy” veterans who served on ships off the coast of Vietnam were previously excluded from presumptive eligibility for Agent Orange exposure. However, they are now eligible for the presumption if they were within 12 nautical miles of Vietnam’s waters.
- Delayed recognition of illnesses: It may be harder to establish a service connection for certain diseases or conditions that developed over time without an obvious initial link to Vietnam.
- Stigma around mental health: Many Vietnam veterans may feel ashamed of their mental or emotional conditions, making it harder to seek help.
- Incomplete service records: Gaps in official documentation may make it more difficult to prove a service connection.
- Secondary conditions: Service-related disabilities can lead to separate secondary conditions, which may also be eligible for compensation.
- Complex appeals process: To challenge a denial or insufficient disability rating, you must navigate a multi-step appeals process.
Why Choose Rob Levine Law for Your Vietnam War Veteran Disability Benefits Case?
Rob Levine proudly served in the National Guard. Thus, he understands and appreciates the service and sacrifice of our Vietnam War veterans. With over 75 years of combined experience in veterans disability law, our firm has been committed to helping Vietnam veterans get the benefits they deserve for more than 25 years.
Rob Levine Law has helped more than 50,000 clients recover over $2 billion in disability benefits and injury compensation. Our team is available 24/7 to take your call and answer your questions.
If you or a family member served in the Vietnam War and needs help securing veterans benefits, contact us online or call (800) 742-3920 today for a free consultation.
Hear from Our Satisfied Vietnam Veteran Clients
A True Advocate for Veterans' Health
I am a 73-year-old Vietnam Veteran. When I got out of the service in 1972, I had many issues both physically and mentally that had to be addressed. I found that when I made it back to New York, all my medical records were lost, but that was the case for many of us. I got tired of going down to the VA every week, then month, then year, and finally gave up. In the years to come, I constantly limped, had major dental problems, and eventually faced kidney cancer and removal. Then I read that the airmen where I was stationed were exposed to Agent Orange. I don’t know why, but I just found Rob Levine Law Personal Injury Lawyers online. I called them, and they sounded so optimistic that I thought it was a scam. They told me what they would be seeking in damages, and I didn’t believe them. I thought I would be happy with just medical benefits. Well, I couldn’t believe it when I got the letter from the VA about my disability claim. I know I have waited a long time, but a little bit of the pressure has been taken off me with the benefits I was given. And because I was a veteran, I was not charged by the firm. Still can’t believe it. I feel I have to give back, just like Rob has. I’m putting together a program for vets with Parkinson’s, free of charge, that I will be instructing, just to give back like Rob did for me. Once again, THANK YOU, ROB!
Frank S.
Helping Veterans Get the Support They Deserve
I am a Vietnam veteran, and Eric Smith of Rob Levine Law is my attorney. I hired him to help me through the VA claims process, and he has made it a lot less complicated. With Eric’s help, I went from 10% disability to 50%. I have high anxiety attacks, and Eric instructed me to go to the VA and get a PTSD exam, which resulted in my diagnosis of PTSD. I wouldn’t have known without Eric. He’s not done yet. Thank you, Eric Smith.
Harold W.
Dedicated Representation for Vietnam Veterans
I am a Marine Vietnam Combat Veteran who was exposed to Agent Orange. This law firm has been and is currently representing me knowledgeably, competently, and professionally. I would recommend them to any veteran needing assistance.
Rick C.
Our Vietnam War Veterans Disability Lawyers
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Vietnam War Veterans Benefits FAQs
What Are the VA’s Presumptive Conditions for Agent Orange Exposure?
Several conditions are considered presumptive to Agent Orange exposure for Vietnam veterans, including hypertension, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple types of cancer. For a more exhaustive list of conditions, visit the VA News website.
Can Vietnam Veterans Who Served Offshore (Blue Water Navy) Receive Disability Benefits?
Yes, as of 2019, Blue Water Navy veterans are included in the VA’s presumption of Agent Orange exposure and can more easily receive disability benefits for related conditions.
How Does the VA Handle PTSD Claims for Vietnam Veterans?
PTSD is considered an eligible condition for disability compensation for military veterans. If a doctor can link your PTSD diagnosis to your service in Vietnam, you may qualify for disability benefits.
Are Surviving Spouses of Vietnam Veterans Eligible for Benefits?
Spouses and other surviving dependents may be eligible for monthly Dependency and Indemnity Compensation payments and other benefits after the death of a Vietnam veteran.
What Is Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC), and How Can Vietnam Veterans Qualify?
The CRSC program provides additional tax-free benefit payments to veterans who suffered combat-related disabilities. Veterans can be eligible if they are retired and receive disability benefits that reduce their retirement payments.
Do Vietnam Veterans Have Access to Expanded Health Care Options Through the VA?
Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange may be assigned to VA “priority group 6,” which may provide an exemption from copays for treatment for related conditions.
What Types of Disabilities Are Considered Service-Connected for Vietnam War Veterans?
Any condition caused or exacerbated by your military service is considered service-connected. The VA presumes certain conditions to be related to military service. For instance, conditions associated with Agent Orange exposure, such as cancer, are automatically presumed to be service-connected if you served in Vietnam.
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