Date Presented

Spring 5-2026

Document Type

Thesis

First Advisor

Dr. Wendy Williamson

Second Advisor

Dr. Allison B. Jablonski

Third Advisor

Dr. Price Blair

Abstract

Agent Orange exposure has prolonged the suffering of Vietnam War veterans to this day (Peripheral Neuropathy and Agent Orange, 2025). Research has been conducted to discover different medical conditions with a possible linkage to the herbicide (Peripheral Neuropathy and Agent Orange, 2025). One condition is peripheral neuropathy; however, to qualify as a presumptive condition and gain compensation and benefits such as monthly payments and enrollment in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare in a more efficient manner, the condition must be at least 10% disabling within one year of the last exposure to Agent Orange (Peripheral Neuropathy and Agent Orange, 2025; VA claim exam (C&P exam), 2025). In qualifying as a presumptive condition, the time and experiences in military service have been assumed to be connected to the development of the condition without the need to provide a direct link to service, also known as a nexus (Czaplak, 2025). Physical therapy is a benefit available from the VA (Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Services, 2025). It is important to treat neuropathy early to avoid exacerbation of symptoms (Akyuz & Kenis, 2014). The presumptive condition policy for peripheral neuropathy is a possible barrier to physical therapy care, as veterans who suffer from neuropathy but do not meet these requirements may face delays in receiving VA benefits from their claim (West & Dunn, 2025). This study intends to analyze the effects of the VA presumptive condition policy for peripheral neuropathy as a potential barrier to patient care and optimal job performance in physical therapy clinics through surveying physical therapists (PT) and physical therapy assistants (PTA). Of the respondents, 25% (n=1) have treated Vietnam veterans with peripheral neuropathy with suspected Agent Orange exposure. This respondent reported no barriers to care and was not sure about the possibility of the policy being restrictive to physical therapy care. The plan of care was not affected by the policy. Of the respondents, 75% (n=3) have not treated this population and work in either private practices or hospitals. The majority of these respondents saw this policy as a potential barrier to care and needing improvement. Some areas of concern that the respondents had were that Vietnam veterans may not have identified their symptoms as associated with Agent Orange, that the policy reflects older scientific evidence rather than the present-day understanding of neuropathy, and that veterans may not have sought medical help in the 1960s and 1970s. Overall, PTs and PTAs who completed the survey predominantly think that the policy needs to have either major or minor improvements.

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