I just finished my claim to the VA for compensation for Ischemic Heart Desease, related to Agent Orange Exposure. Although the VA has not yet set up it's benefits in this area, they have been directed to finish setting up by September 1, 2010. You can file a claim now and if succesfully awarded, the claim will be retroactive. Earliest first payment might not be until late this year or early next year....but the process of applying was a breeze! I finished the process on-line in about an hour...then spent another hour doing some descriptives that were "prompted" by the form before submission.
Of course, you can use the form to apply for other claims as well.
You have to "register"...which simply means you select a user name and password. I already had a file number from my Tinitus disability claim....so after signing up...I went right to the application form. You can stop at any point while filing out the forms and your information will be saved until you return. "Bookmark" this link to your favorites so you can return to the form and pick up where you left off.
http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp