VA Disability for Agent Orange Exposure
Were you exposed to Agent Orange during military service and now suffer from cancer, diabetes, heart disease, or other chronic illnesses?
We can help you get the benefits you deserve
- Written By Attorney Troy Bouk
If you have a health condition caused by exposure to the herbicide Agent Orange during your service, you may be eligible for tax-free VA disability compensation.
FAQs About VA Disability Benefits for Agent Orange Exposure...
Understanding Agent Orange Exposure in Veterans
Agent Orange, a powerful herbicide used during the Vietnam War and in other military operations, wasn’t just a weapon against vegetation—it exposed millions of service members to dioxins, chemicals now known to cause serious health problems.
Exposure wasn’t always obvious. Many veterans breathed in or came into contact with these chemicals without knowing the risks. Decades later, these exposures continue to surface in the form of cancers, diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses.
While the VA has recognized some conditions as presumptively connected to Agent Orange, many veterans still face obstacles in proving their claims or getting fair ratings.
Am I eligible for VA disability compensation based on my exposure to Agent Orange?
You may be eligible for VA disability compensation based on your exposure to Agent Orange if both of the following are true:
- You have a health condition caused by Agent Orange, and
- You served in a location that exposed you to Agent Orange
What health conditions does the VA recognize as caused by Agent Orange Exposure?
The VA presumes that certain cancers and other illnesses are caused by Agent Orange. The VA refers to these conditions as presumptive conditions. The VA also presumes that Veterans who served in specific locations around the world during specific time periods were exposed to Agent Orange. The VA refers to this as presumptive exposure.
Cancers caused by Agent Orange exposure:
- Bladder cancer
- Chronic B-cell leukemias
- Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Multiple myeloma
- Prostate cancer
- Respiratory cancers (lung, trachea, bronchus, larynx)
- Soft tissue sarcomas
Other illnesses caused by Agent Orange exposure:
- AL Amyloidosis
- Chloracne (severe skin condition)
- Diabetes mellitus type 2
- Hypothyroidism
- Ischemic heart disease
- Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS )
- Parkinsonism
- Parkinson’s disease
- Peripheral neuropathy (early-onset)
- Porphyria cutanea tarda (skin condition)
Even if your condition isn’t on this list, you may still qualify for VA benefits if you can show a connection to your exposure.
What are the service requirements (location and time) for presumption of exposure to Agent Orange?
To determine whether you are eligible for VA disability compensation related to Agent Orange, the VA will base their decision in part on whether you served in a location that exposed you to Agent Orange. If you served in one of the designated areas during one of the specified time periods, the VA will presume you were exposed to Agent Orange.
You have a presumption of exposure if you meet at least one of these service requirements.
Between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, you must have served for any length of time in at least one of these locations:
- In the Republic of Vietnam, or
- Aboard a U.S. military vessel that operated in the inland waterways of Vietnam, or
- On a vessel operating not more than 12 nautical miles seaward from the demarcation line of the waters of Vietnam and Cambodia
Or you must have served in at least one of these locations that we’ve added based on the PACT Act:
- Any U.S. or Royal Thai military base in Thailand from January 9, 1962, through June 30, 1976, or
- Laos from December 1, 1965, through September 30, 1969, or
- Cambodia at Mimot or Krek, Kampong Cham Province from April 16, 1969, through April 30, 1969, or
- Guam or American Samoa or in the territorial waters off Guam or American Samoa from January 9, 1962, through July 31, 1980, or
- Johnston Atoll or on a ship that called at Johnston Atoll from January 1, 1972, through September 30, 1977
Or at least one of these must be true for you:
- You served in or near the Korean DMZ for any length of time between September 1, 1967, and August 31, 1971, or
- You served in an Air Force unit location where a C-123 aircraft with traces of Agent Orange was assigned, and had repeated contact with this aircraft due to your flight, ground, or medical duties, or
- You were involved in transporting, testing, storing, or other uses of Agent Orange during your military service
How does the VA Rate Agent Orange Exposure Conditions?
The VA rates each condition based on its specific diagnostic code and severity:
- Cancers are typically rated at 100% during active treatment and for six months following the end of treatment. After that, ratings are based on residual effects (e.g., lung damage, nerve pain).
- Diabetes (DC 7913):
- 10%-100%, based on treatment needs (insulin use) and complications like neuropathy, kidney damage, or vision loss.
- Ischemic heart disease (DC 7005):
- 10%-100%, based on symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and functional capacity.
- Peripheral neuropathy (DC 8520-8730):
- 10%-80%, based on the severity of nerve damage and its impact on daily life.
Secondary conditions related to Agent Orange illnesses (e.g., depression from chronic illness, organ damage) may be rated separately.
Common Symptoms of Agent Orange-Related Conditions in Veterans
Veterans exposed to Agent Orange may experience:
- Chronic pain or numbness in hands and feet (neuropathy)
- Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
- Skin conditions like chloracne or rashes
- Respiratory issues (chronic cough, shortness of breath)
- Heart problems (chest pain, arrhythmias)
- Blood sugar irregularities (diabetes)
- Tremors, stiffness, or slowed movement (Parkinson’s symptoms)
- Swollen lymph nodes, frequent infections (cancers)
These symptoms often develop gradually and can impact your quality of life in significant ways.
Why Agent Orange Claims Get Denied
Even with the VA’s presumptive condition list, claims are often denied or underrated because:
- Symptoms took years to appear. The VA may dispute the connection between your condition and your service if there’s a time gap.
- Exposure documentation is unclear. Veterans who served outside Vietnam (e.g., Korea, Thailand, or on Navy ships) may face hurdles proving they were exposed.
- The condition isn’t on the presumptive list. Even if linked by scientific research, some illnesses aren’t yet formally recognized by the VA.
Without strong documentation and a clear narrative, claims can easily be dismissed or underrated. A denied claim doesn’t mean the end of the road. We will review the VA’s reasoning for denial, identify gaps or weaknesses in the evidence, and develop a strategy to make your case stronger.
How We Help Veterans With Agent Orange Exposure Claims
We understand how exhausting it is to prove the impact of exposure that happened decades ago. That’s why we:
- Gather service records, medical histories, and exposure evidence to strengthen your case.
- Connect your health conditions to Agent Orange exposure, even if they aren’t on the VA’s presumptive list.
- Ensure the VA sees the full scope of your symptoms and secondary conditions.
We will work with you to ensure you receive the benefits you’ve rightfully earned.
