Were all Vietnam vets 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 Vietnam veterans were exposed to Agent Orange?

All told, about 9 million military personnel served on active duty during the Vietnam era, but most were not stationed in the country. Of those, some 2.6 million were potentially exposed to Agent Orange, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates.

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 were Vietnam veterans exposed to?

Agent Orange was a tactical herbicide the U.S. military used to clear leaves and vegetation for military operations mainly during the Vietnam War. Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange may have certain related cancers or other illnesses.

How much do Vietnam vets get 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.

Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange still seeking needed benefits

Do Vietnam vets get more Social Security?

In general, Vietnam veterans received more money from Social Security and retirement plans than nonveterans; nonveterans had more earnings and more investment income.

What percentage of Agent Orange is considered a disability?

Under VA's rating regulations, it must be at least 10 percent disabling within one year of exposure to herbicides. A nervous system condition that causes numbness, tingling, and motor weakness. Under VA's rating regulations, it must be at least 10 percent disabling within one year of herbicide exposure.

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.

What is the most commonly recognized exposure during Vietnam War?

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.

What years qualify for a Vietnam era veteran?

Vietnam War era (November 1, 1955, to May 7, 1975, for Veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam during that period. August 5, 1964, to May 7, 1975, for Veterans who served outside the Republic of Vietnam.)

Do Vietnam vets qualify for VA benefits?

VA Benefits for Vietnam Veterans

Vietnam Veterans may be eligible for a wide-variety of benefits available to all U.S. military Veterans. VA benefits include disability compensation, pension, education and training, health care, home loans, insurance, vocational rehabilitation and employment, and burial.

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 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 qualifies a veteran for Agent Orange 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 14 diseases associated with Agent Orange?

Can Agent Orange be passed from father to child?

There is currently no definitive evidence that a father's exposure to Agent Orange causes birth defects. However, an analysis of Agent Orange registry data from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) suggests a link between males' exposure to Agent Orange and having children with certain birth defects.

Were Vietnam vets exposed to radiation?

Veterans who served before, during, or after Vietnam may have been exposed to radiation from military activities including nuclear weapons testing.

Are all 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.

Does VFW recognize Vietnam vets?

This National Vietnam War Veterans Day, the VFW encourages all Americans to honor our Vietnam War era veterans and let them know how much they are appreciated. Take this opportunity to give a hearty “Welcome Home” to those who made it back from the Vietnam War and a “Thank you for your service” to all from the era.

Who qualifies for the 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.

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 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.

Is high blood pressure a VA disability?

Hypertension as a VA Disability

Hypertensive vascular disease (hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension) is considered a potential VA disability under the Federal Schedule for Rating Disabilities, Code 7101 (Diseases of the Heart).

What benefits do Vietnam vets get?

Vietnam War veterans are eligible for benefits that are open to all U.S. military veterans, including but not limited to disability compensation for service-connected disabilities, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and amputations; pension; health care; loans; and insurance.

What is the $16728 Social Security bonus?

You can get a bonus of up to $16,728 per year so that your Social Security payment check increases every month.