VA doctor gave bad advice about VA comp in 2004

Question:

I had prostate cancer in 2003 from Agent Orange contact in Vietnam;  I had private surgery in 2003 to remove it. Went to a VA doctor for Agent Orange exposure in 2004, who told me I wasn’t qualified for compensation. This year, at my annual exam, my new VA doctor said I should look into comp. I did and applied. Looks like I lost out on a lot over the last 16 years. Will I still get my 6 months retroactive at 100%? Thanks.

Jim's Reply:

The effective date of a claim is the date that you applied. I hear your situation a lot and it's unfortunate because yes, you missed a lot of benefit money. I've been shouting this out for a long time: Asking a doctor about benefits is like asking a VSO to check your heart. I hate it for you but it is what it is.