Agent Orange Exposure:

Agent Orange is a herbicide and defoliant that was used extensively by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. It contains a combination of herbicides, including 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T, with the latter containing dioxin, a highly toxic chemical. Agent Orange was used to clear vegetation for military purposes, but its widespread use has been associated with various health issues among veterans.

Exposure to Agent Orange has been linked to a range of health conditions, including certain cancers, respiratory disorders, skin conditions, and other chronic diseases. The dioxin component of Agent Orange is particularly concerning due to its toxicity.

Veterans who served in Vietnam between 1962 and 1975, as well as certain veterans who served in specific locations and roles, may have been exposed to Agent Orange. Veterans of the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and those who served on certain U.S. military bases in Thailand and other locations may also have been exposed. The VA offers a free Agent Orange Registry health examination to eligible veterans. This examination includes a comprehensive health evaluation and provides an opportunity for veterans to discuss their concerns related to Agent Orange exposure.

Presumptive Conditions: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes certain health conditions as presumptively linked to Agent Orange exposure. This means that veterans with these conditions are eligible for disability benefits without having to prove a direct connection to their military service. Some of the presumptive conditions associated with Agent Orange exposure include:

  • Certain cancers (e.g., prostate cancer, lung cancer, leukemia)

  • Type 2 diabetes

  • Ischemic heart disease

  • Parkinson's disease

  • Chloracne (a skin condition)

Blue Water Navy Veterans: Blue Water Navy veterans, who served on ships off the coast of Vietnam, are also eligible for benefits related to Agent Orange exposure. This eligibility was expanded to include Blue Water Navy veterans under the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019. Blue Water Navy Veterans are U.S. military veterans who served in the waters off the coast of Vietnam during the Vietnam War. The term "Blue Water Navy" refers to the Navy personnel who operated in the open waters rather than in the inland or "brown water" areas like the rivers and estuaries. During the Vietnam War, the U.S. military used herbicides, including Agent Orange, to clear vegetation for military operations. Agent Orange exposure has been linked to various health issues, and veterans who served in Vietnam were presumed to have been exposed. However, there was initially a distinction in benefits eligibility for Blue Water Navy Veterans, who served on ships in the open waters, compared to those who served on land or in the "brown water" Navy. Many Blue Water Navy Veterans were exposed to Agent Orange through the contaminated waters they sailed in during the Vietnam War. This exposure raised concerns about the potential health effects of herbicide exposure. 

The eligibility for disability benefits related to Agent Orange exposure was initially different for Blue Water Navy Veterans compared to those who served on land or in "brown water" areas. Blue Water Navy Veterans faced challenges in establishing a direct link between their service and health conditions related to herbicide exposure. In 2019, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act was signed into law, extending the presumption of Agent Orange exposure to Blue Water Navy Veterans. This legislation aimed to provide these veterans with the same access to disability benefits as their counterparts who served on land or in "brown water" areas. 

Veterans with service-connected health conditions related to Agent Orange exposure may be eligible for disability compensation from the VA. The severity of the condition is assessed, and a disability rating is assigned to determine the level of compensation and benefits. Veterans seeking disability benefits for conditions related to Agent Orange exposure should file a disability claim with the VA. Thorough documentation, including medical records and evidence of service in locations with potential exposure, is crucial for a successful claim. It's important for veterans who believe they were exposed to Agent Orange to be aware of the presumptive conditions, seek medical attention for any related health concerns, and explore the possibility of filing a disability claim with the VA to access the benefits and support available to them.