VA presumes Veterans' AL amyloidosis is related to their exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service. Veterans exposed to herbicides do not have to prove a connection between their AL amyloidosis and military service to be eligible to receive VA benefits.
Learn more:
About AL Amyloidosis
AL amyloidosis is a rare disease caused when amyloid proteins are abnormally deposited in tissues or organs. Primary (AL) amyloidosis is the most common form. AL amyloidoisis is not a cancer, but it can occur because of some cancers.
Signs and Symptoms
- Affected organs may include heart, kidneys, liver, bowel, skin, nerves, joints, lungs
- Fatigue, anemia (low red blood cell count), weight loss, numbness and tingling in limbs
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Research on AL Amyloidosis and Herbicides Used in Vietnam
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academy of Sciences concluded in its 2008 report, “Veterans and Agent Orange: Update 2006”*† released on July 27, 2007, that “there is limited or suggestive evidence of an association between exposures to the compounds of interest found in the herbicide Agent Orange and AL amyloidosis.”
VA made a decision to presume AL amyloidosis is related to herbicide exposure effective May 7, 2009 based on research findings.
View more research on health effects of Agent Orange.
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VA Benefits for AL Amyloidosis
Veterans with AL amyloidosis who were exposed to herbicides during military service may be eligible for disability compensation and health care benefits.
Veterans who served in Vietnam or another area where Agent Orange was sprayed may be eligible for an Agent Orange registry health exam, a free, comprehensive examination.
Surviving spouses, dependent children and dependent parents of Veterans who were exposed to herbicides during military service and died as the result of AL amyloidosis may be eligible for survivors' benefits.
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Contact VA about Benefits
By Telephone
- Toll-free Helpline: 1-800-749-8387 Press 3
- Agent Orange Registry Health Exam: Call your local VA Environmental Health Coordinator
- Health Care: 1-877-222-8387
- Compensation and Other Non-Health Care Benefits: 1-800-827-1000
- TDD (for hearing impaired): 1-800-829-4833
In Person
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*By clicking on these links, you will leave the Department of Veterans Affairs Web site.
†VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked Web site.
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