Vietnam Era Veterans

Written By Wesley McCauley

Eligible Veterans

  • Thailand: Any veteran who performed service in Thailand at any United States or Royal Thai base during the period beginning on January 9, 1962, and ending on June 30, 1976, without regard to where on the base the veteran was located or what military job specialty the veteran performed.

  • Laos: Any veteran who performed in Laos during the period beginning on December 1, 1965, and ending on September 30, 1969.

  • Cambodia: Any veteran who performed service in Cambodia at Mimot or Krek, Kampong Cham Province during the period beginning on April 16, 1969, and ending on April 30, 1969.

  • Guam or American Samoa: Any veteran who performed service in Guam or American Samoa, or in the territorial waters thereof, during the period beginning on January 9, 1962, and ending on July 31, 1980, or served on Johnston Atoll or on a ship that called at Johnston Atoll during the period beginning on January 1, 1972, and ending on September 30, 1977.

    Conditions Subject to Presumption

  • Any presumptive condition listed under 38 CFR § 3.309 will now be subject to service-connection for veterans who served in the above areas.

    What if my disease isn’t listed?

    If you have a disability that is not listed for presumptive, that does not mean you are not eligible to receive benefits. However, it is now presumed you were exposed to Agent Orange and other toxic herbicides. A competent medical opinion could lead to service-connection for a condition not listed based on the presumption of exposure.

Wesley McCauley

While working as the Operations Lieutenant for his local fire department during college, Wesley found his love for veteran’s law. Wesley was born and raised in rural south Georgia, where he continues to enjoy living. While attending Valdosta State University, a community also home to Moody Air Force Base, Wesley saw the lack of quality representation available to Veterans and their families—even in a military community. This led him to become a VA accredited representative, seeking to serve Veterans and their families. Following his time in the Fire Department, he founded United Veteran’s Disability in September of 2021.

Wesley has represented some of our nation’s finest, including a World War II POW, combat Veterans, Camp Lejeune Veterans, submariners, Vietnam widows, Coastguardsmen, Infantrymen, FBI agents, and even VA employees. Wesley says each have a common thread “love of country.” He has successfully recovered millions in benefits for veterans and their families. His largest single recovery totals over $525,000 in backpay. Wesley has represented Veterans and their families at the Regional Office level, the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, and the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. He has handled both medically and legally complex claims. Wesley believes in the importance of maximizing benefits for veterans, and his clients are regularly awarded SMC to help compensate veterans above the 100% rate.

While Wesley represents a wide range of Veterans and survivors, a large part of his practice includes veterans exposed to toxic burn pits. “What we saw with Vietnam veterans and Agent Orange is playing itself over again, but with burn pit Veterans. As we continue to learn more about the diseases associated with burn pit exposure, it is important to hold the VA accountable and push for many more diseases to be presumptive, just as the Vietnam Veterans had to fight decades for.”

Wesley is a sustaining member of the National Organization for Veterans’ Advocates, a member of the CAVC Bar Association, Military-Veterans Advocacy, and is a lifetime member of the National Eagle Scout Association.

Outside of his practice, Wesley enjoys traveling with his wife, especially visiting our U.S. National Parks. Together, they plan to visit all 63 U.S. National Parks. They also enjoy exercising together, as well as nature photography.

https://unitedforvets.us
Previous

Camp Lejeune Veterans and Family Members
Next

Veterans Exposed to Open Air Burn Pits