Veterans who develop ischemic heart disease and were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service do not have to prove a connection between their disease and military service to be eligible to receive VA disability compensation.
About ischemic heart disease
Ischemic heart disease is a medical condition of reduced blood flow and oxygen to the heart. There is usually a buildup of cholesterol and other substances, called plaque, in the arteries that bring oxygen to heart muscle tissue. Over time, this damages and weakens the heart muscle making it difficult for the heart to fill and pump blood to the rest of the body.
Ischemic heart disease is a common cause of congestive heart failure. People with this condition may at one time have had a heart attack, angina, or unstable angina. A few people may not have noticed any previous symptoms.
Signs and symptoms include chest pain behind the breastbone or slightly to the left of it. It may feel like tightness, heavy pressure, squeezing, or crushing pain. The pain may spread to the neck, jaw, back, shoulder, or arm. Other symptoms include dizziness or light-headedness, and feeling of indigestion or heartburn.
Help prevent heart disease
Here’s how: Exercise 30 minutes a day; cut down on saturated fats (cheese, butter, cream, processed meats, bacon); add fruits and vegetables; eat fatty fish such as salmon and tuna twice a week; and limit salt. Go to www.prevention.va.gov to learn more about healthy living.
VA benefits for ischemic heart disease
Veterans with ischemic heart disease who were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service may be eligible for disability compensation and health care.
Vietnam Veterans may apply for disability compensation for ischemic heart disease using VA's Fast Track Claims Processing System.
Veterans who served in Vietnam, the Korean demilitarized zone 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 ischemic heart disease may be eligible for survivors' benefits.
Research on ischemic heart disease and herbicides in Vietnam
The Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences concluded in its report "Veterans and Agent Orange: Update 2008" released July 24, 2009, that there is "suggestive but limited evidence that exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides used during the Vietnam War is associated with an increased chance of developing ischemic heart disease."
As a result, VA recognized ischemic heart disease as associated with exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service. VA's final regulation recognizing this association took effect on October 30, 2010.
View more research on health effects of Agent Orange.
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