Agent Orange Presumptive

Agent Orange is a tactical herbicide used during the Vietnam War by the U.S. military to clear vegetation and leaves. Exposure to this herbicide has been linked to several medical conditions. Those under specific eligibility criteria are automatically eligible for VA disability benefits to compensate for damage caused by Agent Orange exposure.

Full Eligibility for Presumptive Diseases Versus Presumptive Exposure

To be eligible for VA disability benefits, two things must be true. You must have an illness caused by exposure to Agent Orange. Additionally, you must have served in a location that exposed you to Agent Orange. Certain illnesses such as cancers are presumptive diseases.

Presumptive exposure is applicable for veterans who served in locations where they were exposed to Agent Orange. If you have an illness that is not on the presumptive diseases list, you can still file a claim for VA disability benefits if you believe Agent Orange Exposure caused it.

List of Cancers Possibly Caused by Agent Orange Exposure

Bladder Cancer, Chronic B-Cell Leukemia, Hodgkin’s disease, Multiple myeloma, Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Prostate Cancer, Respiratory cancers, and some soft tissue sarcomas.

List of Illnesses Possibly Caused by Agent Orange Exposure

AL amyloidosis, Chloracne, Diabetes mellitus type 2, Hypothyroidism, Ischemic heart disease, Parkinsonism, Parkinson’s disease, Peripheral neuropathy, Porphyria cutanea tarda.

Requirements for Presumption of Exposure

To be considered for a presumption of exposure, you must meet one of the following service requirements.

Between the years January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, you must have served in any of these locations:

  • In the Republic of Vietnam
  • Aboard a U.S. military vessel that sailed in the inland waterways of Vietnam
  • Aboard a ship working not more than 12 nautical miles seaward from the demarcation line of the waters of Vietnam and Cambodia
  • On regular perimeter duty of the fenced-in perimeters of a U.S. Army installation in Thailand or a Royal Thai Air Force base

Or at least one of the following must be true:

  • You have served in or near the Korean DMZ for any amount of time between September 1, 1967, and August 31, 1971.
  • You served active duty in a regular Air Force unit location with a C-123 aircraft that had traces of Agent Orange was assigned and had repeated contact with this aircraft.
  • You were involved in transporting, testing, storing, or other uses of Agent Orange during your military service.
  • You were assigned as a Reservist to a specific flight, ground, or medical crew duties at one of the below locations.

How Can You Receive Benefits for Agent Orange Exposure?

To receive disability benefits, you will first need to file a claim for disability compensation and submit supporting documents. This includes a medical record that proves you have an Agent Orange-related illness and a military history to show how you might have been exposed during your service.

If you have an Agent Orange Exposure related illness, contact a Veterans’ Disability Attorney at our firm for a free disability case evaluation. Our firm works tirelessly to help you through every phase of your claim.

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