The number of toxins that can potentially cause kidney cancer is a mile long. However, the VA still makes veterans prove that their kidney cancer was caused by Agent Orange. Many Vietnam Veterans have had the VA deny their compensation claims for kidney cancer; Agent Orange is presumed to cause only specific ailments. Agent Orange exposure was a common risk for anyone who served during the Vietnam War. Accordingly, the VA tends to limit Agent Orange claims to only the Agent Orange Presumptive Conditions, meaning that the VA presumes that certain defined health problems are related to herbicide exposure.
Denials of Agent Orange claims for kidney cancer are based on research by the International Institute of Medicine (IOM). The IOM determined that kidney cancer falls into the inadequate/insufficient evidence category to demonstrate a link between kidney cancer and Agent Orange. As a result, the VA does not include kidney cancer as a presumptive condition related to Agent Orange exposure. That said, veterans can still apply for a “service connection” between their exposure to Agent Orange and their kidney cancer. To do so, a veteran must show direct exposure to Agent Orange and developing kidney cancer as a result.
Filing a VA claim like this can be complex and involved. Our team at Gerling Law Injury Attorneys has helped thousands of veterans obtain VA compensation for kidney cancer.