VA Disability Glossary – Key Terms Every Veteran Should Know

Agent Orange Exposure

  • Agent Orange was a toxic herbicide used by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War to eliminate dense vegetation. Veterans who served in certain locations during specific timeframes may have been exposed to Agent Orange, which has been linked to a variety of serious, long-term health conditions.

    The VA presumes that veterans who served in qualifying areas during specific periods were exposed, which can make it easier to qualify for disability compensation for related illnesses.

  • VA presumes Agent Orange exposure for veterans who served:

    • In Vietnam between January 9, 1962 – May 7, 1975

    • In the Korean DMZ between September 1, 1967 – August 31, 1971

    • On certain ships off the coast of Vietnam (known as Blue Water Navy Veterans)

    • At specific military bases where Agent Orange was stored, tested, or used (e.g., Thailand, Guam)

    Note: These are some common locations, but other situations may qualify. Each case is unique.

    Click here to see VA’s full list of service requirements for Agent Orange

  • The VA maintains a list of presumptive conditions, including but not limited to:

    • Type 2 diabetes

    • Ischemic heart disease

    • Parkinson’s disease

    • Chronic B-cell leukemia

    • Various cancers (e.g., prostate, lung, bladder, Hodgkin’s lymphoma)

  • To file a new claim for a condition linked to Agent Orange exposure:

    • Submit VA Form 21-526EZ (Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits)

    • You may also include:

      • Medical evidence showing a diagnosis of a presumptive condition

      • Military service records confirming service in a qualifying location and time period

    • If applying based on a condition not on the presumptive list, additional medical and scientific evidence may be required

    If the VA denied your disability claim in the past but now it is a presumptive condition, you may consider:

    • Filing a Supplemental Claim using VA Form 20-0995, which may include:

    • Medical records that shows you have an Agent Orange-related health condition

    • Military records to show how you were exposed to Agent Orange during your service

    • If applying based on a condition not on the presumptive list, additional medical and scientific evidence may be required

    You can file online at VA.gov, by mail, or with help from a VA-accredited representative.

  • At Greene & Marusak, we help veterans prove exposure and obtain compensation for Agent Orange-related illnesses.

    Give us a call at (844) 483-8737

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