Agent Orange Exposure
Agent Orange VA Disability Claims
Vietnam-era veterans and an expanding group of Cold War-era veterans may have presumptive eligibility for Agent Orange-related conditions.
Agent Orange exposure is recognized for veterans who served in Vietnam, Thailand, Korea, and other qualifying locations. VA has added hypertension and MGUS to the Agent Orange presumptive list, alongside existing conditions including certain cancers and Type 2 diabetes. Confirm the current criteria at VA.gov.
Agent Orange exposure and VA recognition
Agent Orange is a tactical herbicide used by U.S. forces during the Vietnam War to defoliate jungle terrain. Decades of evidence link exposure to a range of cancers, neurological conditions, and other illnesses. VA recognition has expanded steadily. The PACT Act added new presumptive locations and conditions to that list. To see whether your service period and diagnosis qualify, use our eligibility screener.
Qualifying locations and periods
- Republic of Vietnam (Jan 9, 1962 – May 7, 1975)
- Thailand (Royal Thai Air Force bases, 1961–1976)
- Korean DMZ (Apr 1, 1968 – Aug 31, 1971)
- Laos (Dec 1, 1965 – Sep 30, 1969)
- Cambodia at Mimot or Krek, Kampong Cham Province (Apr 16, 1969 – Apr 30, 1969)
- Guam, American Samoa, Johnston Atoll (specific date ranges)
Current Agent Orange presumptive conditions
- Hypertension
- Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Ischemic heart disease
- Parkinson's disease and Parkinsonism
- Multiple myeloma; chronic B-cell leukemias including hairy-cell leukemia
- Hodgkin's disease and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Soft tissue sarcomas (most types)
- Respiratory cancers (lung, bronchus, larynx, trachea)
- Bladder cancer; prostate cancer
- Hypothyroidism
- Chloracne
- Porphyria cutanea tarda
- Peripheral neuropathy, early-onset
- AL amyloidosis
Survivors and dependents: DIC claims
If a veteran has died of an Agent Orange-related condition, the surviving spouse or dependents may be eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation. See our survivor claims overview.
Start your free case evaluation or call (202) 934-2954.
Frequently asked questions
Does the PACT Act add new Agent Orange presumptive conditions?
Yes. The PACT Act and subsequent VA rulemaking added new conditions, including hypertension and Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS), to the Agent Orange presumptive list. Check VA.gov for the current effective date of each addition.
I served in Thailand during the Vietnam era. Am I covered?
Veterans who served at U.S. or Royal Thai military bases in Thailand between January 9, 1962 and June 30, 1976 are included in the qualifying Agent Orange presumptive locations. Specific base and dates of service are relevant to the claim.
What if I served in Korea near the DMZ?
Veterans who served in or near the Korean Demilitarized Zone between September 1, 1967 and August 31, 1971 may be eligible for Agent Orange presumptive benefits. Contact the VA, a VSO, or Cross & York to assess your situation.
Can I seek review of an old Agent Orange denial?
You may be able to file a Supplemental Claim if a new presumptive condition has been established since your denial, or if you have new and relevant evidence. The effective date of any back pay may relate to your original intent to file.
Last reviewed by Cross & York Editorial Team. Content reviewed against VA.gov and Federal Register sources.