Were all Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange?

For the purposes of VA compensation benefits, Veterans who served anywhere in Vietnam between January 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975 are presumed to have been exposed to herbicides, as specified in the Agent Orange Act of 1991.

How many veterans exposed to Agent Orange?

The VA estimates that 2.6 million veterans have been exposed to Agent Orange, but there are also other studies that indicate that the actual number of veterans exposed to Agent Orange is much higher than what the government is reporting.

How do you know if you were exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam?

The Agent Orange Registry health exam is a medical evaluation offered to qualifying veterans for free by VA that can alert you to illnesses commonly associated with Agent Orange and other dangerous herbicides.

What qualifies a veteran for Agent Orange benefits?

You may be eligible for VA disability benefits if you meet both of these requirements. Both of these must be true: You have a health condition that's caused by exposure to Agent Orange, and. You served in a location that exposed you to Agent Orange.

What were Vietnam veterans exposed to?

Vietnam Veterans may have been exposed to a variety of environmental and chemical hazards that carried potential health risks. VA offers eligible Veterans a free Agent Orange Registry health exam for possible long-term health problems related to herbicide exposure. Vietnam-era Veterans are at risk for hepatitis C.

Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange still seeking needed benefits

What is the difference between Vietnam veteran and Vietnam era veteran?

Vietnam era veterans are those who served during the time of the Vietnam war but didn't set foot in the country of Vietnam. The Vietnam vet is one who was assigned within the combat zone of the country and it's surrounding waters.

Are Vietnam veterans considered combat veterans?

Generally, combat veterans are those that served in a combat zone during their military service. This can include service in Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, and certain areas of Iraq and Afghanistan, among other locations.

What was the average payout for Agent Orange?

Of the 105,000 claims received by the Payment Program, approximately 52,000 Vietnam Veterans or their survivors received cash payments which averaged about $3,800 each.

How do I know if I'm on the Agent Orange registry?

Find your local VA Environmental Health Coordinator and contact them about getting an Agent Orange Registry health exam today! For more information about the Agent Orange Registry health exam, visit www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/benefits/registry-exam.asp.

Who is considered a Vietnam combat veteran?

Who's Eligible? Veterans, including activated Reservists and members of the National Guard, are eligible if they served on active duty in a theater of combat operations after November 11, 1998, and have been discharged under other than dishonorable conditions.

What years qualify for a Vietnam era veteran?

(b) Post-Vietnam-era veteran means an eligible veteran who first became a member of the Armed Forces or first entered on active duty as a member of the Armed Forces after May 7, 1975. (c) Vietnam era means the period be- ginning August 5, 1964 and ending May 7, 1975.

What years did they spray Agent Orange in Vietnam?

From August 1965 to 1971, DOD sprayed 11.22 million gallons of Agent Orange in Vietnam, with about 3 gallons per acre sprayed undiluted. DOD has little information available on the number or extent of personnel exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.

What areas of Vietnam was Agent Orange used the most?

According to military estimates of herbicide use, 90 percent of Agent Orange was used in Ranch Hand forest defoliation missions; 8 percent was used in Ranch Hand crop destruction missions; and 2 percent was sprayed from the ground around base perimeters and cache sites, waterways, and communication lines (NAS, 1974).

What are the 14 diseases associated with Agent Orange?

How does the VA determine Agent Orange disability?

In order to qualify for benefits, the following conditions must become noticeable to a degree of 10 percent or more within one year of the last date of exposure to Agent Orange: Chloracne. Porphyria cutanea tarda. Early-onset peripheral neuropathy.

How long does it take for Agent Orange to show up?

Elevated blood TCDD levels, probably related to Agent Orange exposure, can be detected between two and three decades after potential exposure in some American veterans. Original levels were estimated to be 35-1,500-fold greater that that of the general population (4 ppt, lipid) at the time of exposure.

Can Agent Orange be passed through generations?

U.S. animal tests show that genetic damage from dioxin in Agent Orange can be passed on to offspring, but species vary widely in how susceptible they are. No human studies exist.

How far back will the VA pay back pay?

The VA typically only pays disability compensation going back to the date of discharge to veterans who apply for their VA disability benefits within one year of being discharged. All of this underscores the need to submit your VA disability benefits claim as soon as possible.

Can a child of a Vietnam veteran get benefits?

Your child may be eligible for disability benefits if they meet these requirements. One of these must be true: The child's biological mother or father served in the Republic of Vietnam or in Thailand for any length of time between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, or.

Is Agent Orange a 100 disability?

With a proper diagnosis of respiratory cancer in a veteran with Agent Orange exposure, the VA will provide a 100% disability rating as long as the cancer is active and during treatment. This means that the veteran will receive the highest compensation that fits their eligibility bracket.

Do spouses get Agent Orange benefits?

VA offers a wide range of benefits to surviving spouses, dependent children and dependent parents of Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange and died as the result of diseases related to Agent Orange exposure. Benefits include compensation and health care benefits.

What benefits do you get after death from Agent Orange?

Survivors' benefits

Surviving spouses, dependent children and dependent parents of Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides during service and died as the result of diseases related to the exposure may be eligible for health care, compensation, education, and home loan benefits.

What are the 4 types of veterans?

Under VEVRAA, a veteran may be classified as a ''disabled veteran,'' ''recently separated veteran,'' ''active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran,'' or ''Armed Forces service medal veteran. ''

Who qualifies for Vietnam Service Medal?

It is awarded to all service members of the armed forces who between July 4, 1965 and March 28, 1973, served in the following areas of Southeast Asia; Vietnam and the contiguous waters and airspace; Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia; or the airspace thereof and in the direct support of military operations in Vietnam.

What medals can a Vietnam era veteran wear?

The Vietnam Service Medal replaces the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM), which was awarded for service in Vietnam from 1961 to 1965. Service stars are permitted as attachments worn on the Vietnam Service Medal for recipients who participated in multiple campaigns during the Vietnam War.