Prostate cancer is one of the most common cause of cancer-related deaths. The VA considers prostate cancer as “presumptively related” to Agent Orange exposure, so that any Veteran who served in Vietnam will have their prostate cancer service-connected for disability purposes.
As Vietnam-era veterans approach their late-60s and early 70’s, they oftentimes learn of prostate cancer out-of-the-blue, meaning they had been otherwise healthy and then receive an alarming cancer diagnosis. Depending on the progression of the cancer at the time of discovery, a Veteran may have little time to focus on anything other than treatment and surgery.
Unfortunately, many Veterans that succumb to prostate cancer will not have had the time or energy to pursue VA benefits prior to their demise. Oftentimes widows of such Veterans will be unaware that they are eligible to receive a monthly Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (“DIC”) award if their late-spouse served in Vietnam and died as a result of prostate cancer.
DIC benefits are awarded for the duration of the widow’s life, so it is critical for Vietnam-era widows to know of the benefit, and of how to apply for it. The VA does not advertise nor educate widows on issues relating to DIC, so many do not even know that such a critical benefit exists.
If your claim for DIC benefits or prostate cancer service-connection has been denied, call (504) 235 4075 to speak to an attorney today.