Vietnam Veterans of America Eagle Pass: VA Benefits, Local Resources & Agent Orange Claims
Vietnam veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, qualify for VA disability compensation for Agent Orange presumptive conditions, including Type 2 diabetes and ischemic heart disease. File VA Form 21-526EZ online, by mail, or in person. The PACT Act expanded VA health care eligibility for all Vietnam War veterans. Local support is available through Maverick County Veterans Services and VA outreach in Eagle Pass.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | VA disability compensation, VA health care, Agent Orange presumptive conditions |
| Eligibility | Vietnam-era veterans who served in-country or certain other locations |
| Application | VA Form 21-526EZ (disability compensation); VA Form 10-10EZ (health care) |
| Processing Time | 75–80 days average for disability claims (2026) |
| Official Agency | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) |
| Required Forms | VA Form 21-526EZ, DD-214, medical evidence |
| Local Office | Maverick County Veterans Services, 455 Quarry St., Eagle Pass, TX 78852 |
| Updated For | 2026 (PACT Act hypertension effective October 1, 2026) |
What Is Vietnam Veterans of America?
Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) is a national nonprofit veterans service organization founded in 1978. It is the only congressionally chartered Vietnam veterans organization in the United States, dedicated to assisting Vietnam-era veterans and their families.
What VVA Does
VVA focuses on several core missions:
Advocacy:Â VVA lobbies Congress on issues important to Vietnam veterans, including VA health care access, disability compensation, and toxic exposure legislation.
Claims Assistance:Â VVA provides free representation to veterans in their claims for VA benefits, helping them navigate the complex VA system.
Camaraderie:Â Local chapters foster connection among Vietnam veterans through meetings, events, and community service.
Community Service:Â VVA chapters participate in local projects, including memorial maintenance, food drives, and veteran support programs.
VVA Membership Eligibility
VVA membership is open to veterans who served on active duty in Vietnam or in any duty location between 1964 and 1975. Associate memberships are available for family members and supporters who wish to contribute to the organization’s mission.
VVA Presence in Eagle Pass
While there is no confirmed active VVA chapter physically located in Eagle Pass, the national VVA organization maintains more than 650 local chapters throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam. Vietnam veterans in Eagle Pass can connect with VVA through the Texas State Council or nearby chapters. The VVA national headquarters can direct veterans to the nearest active chapter.
What veterans should do next: Visit vva.org to find the nearest VVA chapter or contact VVA national headquarters for assistance with VA claims and benefits information.
Vietnam Veteran Eligibility for VA Benefits
You qualify for VA disability compensation as a Vietnam veteran if you served in the Republic of Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, and have a diagnosed condition on the Agent Orange presumptive list. You do not need to prove that your service caused the condition.
Who Qualifies
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityVietnam-era veterans qualify for Agent Orange presumptive benefits if they served in:
Vietnam (in-country):Â Service on land and on some vessels between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975.
Blue Water Navy:Â Service on ships operating not more than 12 nautical miles seaward from the demarcation line of the waters of Vietnam and Cambodia between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975.
Korean DMZ:Â Service in or near the demilitarized zone between September 1, 1967, and August 31, 1971.
Thailand:Â Service at any U.S. or Royal Thai military base between January 9, 1962, and June 30, 1976.
Other locations:Â Laos, Cambodia, Guam, American Samoa, and Johnston Atoll during specified periods.
Why This Matters
For most VA disability claims, veterans must prove a medical nexus between their military service and their current condition. For presumptive conditions, the VA automatically assumes the connection. This removes a significant barrier to benefits and speeds up claim processing.
What Veterans Should Do Next
Gather your DD-214, medical records showing a diagnosis of a presumptive condition, and evidence of your service in a qualifying location. File your claim using VA Form 21-526EZ.
Agent Orange Presumptive Conditions
The VA recognizes a specific list of health conditions as presumptively caused by Agent Orange exposure. If you have one of these diagnoses and served in a qualifying location, you are eligible for VA disability compensation.
Current Agent Orange Presumptive Conditions
The following conditions are presumptively service-connected for qualifying Vietnam veterans:
AL amyloidosis
Bladder cancer
Chronic B-cell leukemias
Chloracne (or other acneiform disease consistent with chloracne)
Diabetes mellitus type 2
High blood pressure (hypertension) — effective October 1, 2026
Hodgkin’s disease (Hodgkin lymphoma)
Hypothyroidism
Ischemic heart disease
Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)
Multiple myeloma
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Parkinsonism
Parkinson’s disease
Peripheral neuropathy, early onset
Porphyria cutanea tarda
Prostate cancer
Respiratory cancers (including lung cancer)
Soft tissue sarcomas (other than osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma, or mesothelioma)
Hypertension and MGUS: New Presumptive Conditions Under the PACT Act
The PACT Act adds hypertension and MGUS to the Agent Orange presumptive list, effective October 1, 2026. Veterans who are 85 years or older, homeless, or terminally ill are eligible immediately.
If you previously filed a claim for hypertension due to Agent Orange exposure and were denied, you may refile under the PACT Act.
What Veterans Should Do Next
Review the presumptive list carefully. If you have a diagnosis that matches, file VA Form 21-526EZ even if you were previously denied. The PACT Act creates new entitlement pathways for many veterans.
How to Apply for VA Disability Compensation
You can apply for VA disability compensation online, by mail, or in person. The VA encourages online filing through VA.gov, which is the fastest method.
Online Application
Go to VA.gov and sign in with your DS Logon, My HealtheVet, or ID.me account.
Complete VA Form 21-526EZ electronically.
Upload supporting documents, including your DD-214 and medical evidence.
Submit the claim and track its status through your VA.gov account.
By Mail
Download and print VA Form 21-526EZ from the VA website.
Complete all sections, including your service history and medical conditions.
Attach copies of your DD-214, medical records, and any supporting statements.
Mail the completed form to the VA regional office serving your location.
In Person
Bring your completed VA Form 21-526EZ and supporting documents to a VA regional office or a local veterans service office.
In Eagle Pass, visit the Maverick County Veterans Services office at 455 Quarry St., Eagle Pass, TX 78852.
A veterans service officer can review your claim for completeness.
Request a receipt confirmation for your records.
Required Documents
DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)
Medical records showing diagnosis of a presumptive condition
Evidence of service in a qualifying location (orders, unit records, etc.)
Dependency records if claiming dependents
Any prior VA decision letters if refiling
VA Form 21-526EZ: What You Need to Know
VA Form 21-526EZ, Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits, is the standard form for filing a VA disability claim.
Key Sections of VA Form 21-526EZ
Section I:Â Veteran identification and contact information
Section II:Â Service information (branches, dates, character of discharge)
Section III:Â Disability information (conditions claimed)
Section IV:Â Dependents (if applicable)
Section V:Â Direct deposit information
Section VI:Â Certification and signature
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Failing to file the correct form:Â Some veterans use outdated forms and experience delays. Use VA Form 21-526EZ.
Not including a complete DD-214:Â Missing discharge documents slow processing.
Omitting medical evidence:Â Attach all relevant medical records, even if the VA can obtain them.
Not claiming all conditions:Â List every condition you believe is service-connected, even if you are unsure.
Missing the intent to file deadline:Â File an Intent to File (VA Form 21-0966) to preserve your effective date while gathering evidence.
What Veterans Should Do Next
If you are unsure how to complete VA Form 21-526EZ, contact a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) such as the American Legion, VFW, DAV, or Vietnam Veterans of America. VSO representatives can assist you free of charge. In Eagle Pass, the Maverick County Veterans Services office can provide hands-on assistance.
PACT Act and Vietnam Veterans
The PACT Act (Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act) is the largest health care and benefit expansion in VA history. It significantly affects Vietnam veterans by expanding health care eligibility, adding presumptive conditions, and improving toxic exposure screening.
What the PACT Act Does for Vietnam Veterans
Expands VA health care eligibility:Â All veterans who served in the Vietnam War are now eligible for VA health care without needing to apply for disability benefits first.
Adds 2 new Agent Orange presumptive conditions:Â Hypertension and MGUS.
Adds new exposure locations:Â Expands Agent Orange presumptive locations to include additional areas.
Requires toxic exposure screening:Â Every veteran enrolled in VA health care receives a five-minute screening.
Health Care Eligibility Under the PACT Act
You are eligible to enroll in VA health care now if you meet basic service and discharge requirements and any of these are true:
You served in the Vietnam War, Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other combat zone after 9/11.
You deployed in support of the Global War on Terror.
You were exposed to toxins or hazards during military service.
You were assigned to certain duty stations in Southwest Asia or parts of Africa.
What veterans should do next:Â Apply for VA health care using VA Form 10-10EZ, even if you are not filing a disability claim. Enrolling provides access to preventive care, specialty care, and toxic exposure screening.
Local Resources in Eagle Pass, Texas
Vietnam veterans in Eagle Pass have access to several local resources for assistance with VA claims, health care, and benefits.
Maverick County Veterans Services
Address:Â 455 Quarry St., Eagle Pass, TX 78852
Phone:Â 830-773-2528
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Services:Â Assistance with VA benefits applications, claims, and appeals; information on state and federal veterans benefits.
VA Outreach Events
The Laredo Vet Center conducts regular outreach visits to Eagle Pass to provide information regarding Vet Center services available to veterans and their family members. These events offer opportunities to connect with VA representatives and learn about available benefits.
VA Health Care Access
Veterans in Eagle Pass currently commute to the Audie Murphy VA hospital in San Antonio for specialized care. There is active advocacy to bring a VA clinic to Eagle Pass to reduce travel for local veterans. In the meantime, free transportation to VA hospitals in San Antonio and Kerrville is available for veterans requiring specialized medical attention. Transportation is also provided to Eagle Pass and Uvalde for VA-related medical appointments.
Veterans Crisis Line
The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource available 24/7. Dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255. This service is available to all service members, including National Guard and Reserve, and veterans—even if they are not enrolled in VA benefits or health care.
What Veterans Should Do Next
Contact the Maverick County Veterans Services office at 830-773-2528 to schedule an appointment. Bring your DD-214 and any medical records you have. Ask about upcoming VA outreach events in the Eagle Pass area.
Processing Times and Payment Dates
VA disability claims average 75 to 80 days to process in 2026, a significant improvement from prior years.
How to Check Your Claim Status
Online: Sign in to VA.gov and view your claim status.
By phone:Â Call 800-827-1000.
In person:Â Visit a VA regional office or the Maverick County Veterans Services office.
Payment Dates
VA disability compensation payments are deposited on the first business day of each month. If the first falls on a weekend or holiday, payment is made on the preceding business day.
What Veterans Should Do Next
If your claim has been pending for more than 80 days, contact the VA at 800-827-1000 to request a status update. You can also contact your VSO representative.
Appeals Process
If the VA denies your claim or assigns a lower rating than expected, you have three appeal options: a supplemental claim, a higher-level review, or a Board appeal.
Supplemental Claim
File VA Form 20-0995 with new and relevant evidence. The VA will reconsider your claim based on the new information.
Higher-Level Review
File VA Form 20-0996 for a senior reviewer to examine your claim for errors. No new evidence is allowed at this level.
Board Appeal
File VA Form 10182 to have the Board of Veterans’ Appeals review your case. You can choose a direct review, evidence submission, or hearing.
Common Mistakes in Appeals
Missing the one-year deadline:Â You have one year from the date of your decision letter to appeal.
Filing the wrong form:Â Use the correct form for your chosen appeal lane.
Not submitting new evidence:Â For supplemental claims, new and relevant evidence is required.
What Veterans Should Do Next
Contact a VSO or accredited attorney before filing an appeal. In Eagle Pass, the Maverick County Veterans Services office can assist you with the appeals process.
Texas State Benefits for Vietnam Veterans
Texas offers several benefits for veterans beyond federal VA benefits. These are administered by the Texas Veterans Commission and other state agencies.
Texas Veterans Benefits
Property Tax Exemption:Â Texas offers a 100% property tax exemption on the residence homestead of surviving spouses of veterans who died from conditions related to Agent Orange, burn pit exposure, or other toxic substances.
Texas Veterans Commission:Â The TVC provides claims assistance, health care advocacy, education benefits, and employment services for veterans and their families.
Hazlewood Act:Â Provides education benefits, including tuition exemption, for eligible veterans and their dependents at Texas public colleges and universities.
Veterans Land Board:Â Offers low-interest land and home loans to Texas veterans.
How to Access Texas Benefits
Contact the Texas Veterans Commission or the Maverick County Veterans Services office for information on state-specific benefits. Many require separate applications and documentation.
What Veterans Should Do Next
Ask your VSO about Texas-specific benefits when you file your VA claim. The Texas Veterans Commission maintains a comprehensive benefits guide at tvc.texas.gov.
Common Questions
Q: What is Vietnam Veterans of America?
Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) is a national nonprofit veterans service organization founded in 1978. It is the only congressionally chartered Vietnam veterans organization. VVA advocates for Vietnam-era veterans, provides free claims representation, and fosters camaraderie through local chapters.
Q: Is there a VVA chapter in Eagle Pass?
There is no confirmed active VVA chapter physically located in Eagle Pass. Vietnam veterans in the area can connect with VVA through the Texas State Council or nearby chapters. Visit vva.org to find the nearest active chapter or contact VVA national headquarters.
Q: What is the Agent Orange presumptive list?
The VA presumes that certain health conditions are caused by Agent Orange exposure for qualifying Vietnam veterans. This means you do not need to prove the connection between your service and your condition. The list includes conditions like Type 2 diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and hypertension.
Q: Am I eligible if I served in the Blue Water Navy?
Yes. The Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 extends Agent Orange presumptive benefits to veterans who served on ships operating not more than 12 nautical miles seaward from the demarcation line of the waters of Vietnam and Cambodia between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975.
Q: How do I file VA Form 21-526EZ?
You can file online at VA.gov, by mail to a VA regional office, or in person. Online filing is fastest. Attach your DD-214, medical evidence, and any supporting documents. In Eagle Pass, the Maverick County Veterans Services office can assist you.
Q: What is the PACT Act?
The PACT Act is a 2022 law that expands VA health care and benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances, including Agent Orange. It adds new presumptive conditions like hypertension and MGUS and expands health care eligibility for Vietnam veterans.
Q: How long does a VA disability claim take?
The average processing time is 75 to 80 days in 2026. Claims requiring additional evidence or medical exams may take longer.
Q: Can I get VA health care even if I don’t file a disability claim?
Yes. Under the PACT Act, all Vietnam War veterans are eligible for VA health care without needing to file a disability claim first. Apply using VA Form 10-10EZ.
Q: What if my claim is denied?
You have three appeal options: supplemental claim, higher-level review, or Board appeal. You have one year from the decision date to appeal.
Q: What is the effective date for hypertension claims?
Hypertension is added to the Agent Orange presumptive list effective October 1, 2026. Veterans 85 or older, homeless, or terminally ill are eligible immediately.
Q: Do surviving spouses qualify for benefits?
Yes. Surviving spouses may qualify for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) if the veteran’s death was related to a service-connected condition. Use VA Form 21P-534EZ.
Q: Where can I get help filing my claim in Eagle Pass?
Contact the Maverick County Veterans Services office at 455 Quarry St., Eagle Pass, TX 78852, or call 830-773-2528. You can also contact the Texas Veterans Commission or a VSO such as the American Legion, VFW, or DAV.
Key Takeaways
Vietnam veterans who served in-country between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, qualify for Agent Orange presumptive benefits.
The PACT Act adds hypertension and MGUS to the presumptive list effective October 1, 2026.
File VA Form 21-526EZ online at VA.gov for the fastest processing.
VA health care is available to all Vietnam War veterans without a disability claim under the PACT Act.
Average claim processing time is 75 to 80 days in 2026.
You have one year to appeal a VA decision.
Eagle Pass veterans can access local assistance through Maverick County Veterans Services at 830-773-2528.
Vietnam Veterans of America provides free claims representation and advocacy.
Texas offers state benefits including property tax exemptions and education benefits.
Contact a VSO for free assistance with your claim.
Official Resources
VA.gov: The PACT Act and your VA benefits — https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/
VA.gov: Agent Orange exposure and disability compensation — https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/agent-orange/
VA.gov: File a disability claim — https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/
VA.gov: VA health care eligibility — https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/
VA.gov: Board of Veterans’ Appeals — https://www.va.gov/decision-reviews/
VA.gov: Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans — https://www.va.gov/BWN-one-pager-7-5-2019-V4.pdf
USA.gov: Veterans benefits — https://www.usa.gov/veterans-benefits
VVA.org: Vietnam Veterans of America — https://vva.org
TVC.Texas.gov: Texas Veterans Commission — https://www.tvc.texas.gov
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📌 Information provided as of June 2026. Always verify current eligibility and rules with official .gov sources.
This site is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. All information is for educational purposes only. Please visit VA.gov for official information.
