Veterans exposed to Agent Orange have known about its health consequences for years, but there are still lingering questions regarding disability for conditions caused by the toxic herbicide.
Read on to learn about seven of the most important things you should know about Agent Orange.
1. Any veteran who served anywhere in Vietnam during the war is presumed to have been exposed to Agent Orange at some point during their service.
The VA recognizes that veterans who served in Vietnam any time between Jan. 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975 were likely exposed to the toxic herbicide, Agent Orange. For the purposes of disability compensation, this means that these veterans do not need to prove exposure to Agent Orange in order to receive disability benefits.
2. The VA recognizes that Agent Orange exposure can cause certain conditions.
Numerous cancers and disabling health conditions have been linked to Agent Orange exposure, and the VA recognizes these diseases as eligible for compensation.
Agent Orange-related illnesses include non-Hodgkins lymphoma, Parkinsons disease, ischemic heart disease, soft tissue sarcomas, diabetes Type II and many more.
3. A claim is required to be compensated for your Agent Orange-related illness.
Like any other disabling condition linked to military service, veterans must go through the proper channels as specified by the VA to receive compensation for their Agent Orange-related illness.
During the claims process, the VA will check military records to confirm exposure dates or qualifying military service.
4. VA health benefits are available to veterans suffering from Agent Oranges side effects.
The VA offers healthcare benefits to veterans whove been exposed to Agent Orange. To check eligibility and begin the application process, visit the VAs Health Benefits Explorer.
5. Children born with birth defects linked to Agent Orange Exposure may receive benefits.
The VA recognizes that children born to veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War may have developed certain birth defects, including spina bifida, cleft palate or cleft lip, congenital heart disease, congenital talipes eqquinovarus (clubfoot) and other conditions.
These children are eligible for health benefits through the VA as long as they were conceived after their veteran parent entered the Vietnam or Korea demilitarized zone during the qualifying service period.
6. Participating in the VA Agent Orange registry exam helps you and other veterans.
Providing the VA with information about any disabilities or conditions youve suffered after exposure to Agent Orange allows the administration to appropriately respond to these health problems. Participating in the registry gives the VA more information on which it can base decisions about treatment, care, and eligibility for disability benefits.
The exam is free and you are not required to be currently receiving care from the VA to participate in it. To learn more about the Agent Orange health registry, contact your local VA Health Environment Coordinator.
7. Vietnam veterans are not the only veterans who may have been exposed to Agent Orange.
If you are a veteran who did not serve in the Vietnam War but are suffering what you believe to be side effects from Agent Orange, it may very well be that you are.
Agent Orange was used as an herbicide in:
- Korean demilitarized zone (April 1, 1968 Aug. 1, 1971)
- Thailand military bases (Feb. 28, 1961 May 7, 1975)
- Herbicide tests/ storage outside Vietnam
- Airplanes used in Vietnam
Exposed to Agent Orange? Claim the Benefits You Deserve
The government works with independently contracted agencies to conduct testing on Agent Orange. For years now, the health consequences of exposure to this toxic and widely-used chemical has been clear to the VA, and if you were exposed you have health benefits to claim.
For a free review of your claim, call (877) 777-4021 or fill out our online claims’ review form.
