Understanding Agent Orange: Essential Information for Veterans

Posted by Gregory M. Rada | April 04, 2025 | Firm News

Agent Orange, a powerful herbicide used during the Vietnam War, has left a lasting impact on many veterans. Understanding its effects, eligibility for compensation, and clearing up misconceptions is crucial for those seeking VA disability benefits.

Table of Contents

• What is Agent Orange?
• Health Effects Associated with Agent Orange
• Eligibility for VA Disability Compensation
• Common Misconceptions About Agent Orange Exposure
• Seeking Assistance

What is Agent Orange?

Agent Orange was a herbicide and defoliant used by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War to eliminate dense vegetation that provided enemy cover. Unfortunately, it contained dioxin—a highly toxic chemical—linked to numerous long-term health problems in exposed individuals.

Health Effects Associated with Agent Orange

Exposure to Agent Orange has been tied to serious medical conditions. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) presumes certain diseases are service-connected for veterans exposed to the herbicide. These include:

• Prostate cancer, respiratory cancers, and multiple myeloma
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus
• Hodgkin’s disease and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• Ischemic heart disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Peripheral neuropathy (early-onset)

For the most current list of presumptive conditions, visit the VA’s official Agent Orange diseases page.

Eligibility for VA Disability Compensation

To qualify for VA disability benefits due to Agent Orange exposure, veterans must meet ALL of the following criteria:

• Have a current diagnosis of a disease recognized by the VA as linked to Agent Orange.
• Served in a location and time period where Agent Orange exposure is presumed—such as Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975.
• Were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.

Additional locations—including parts of Thailand, the Korean DMZ, and certain Navy vessels (Blue Water Navy)—may also qualify veterans for presumptive exposure.

Common Misconceptions About Agent Orange Exposure

There are several misconceptions regarding Agent Orange exposure and compensation:

• Misconception: Exposure alone entitles veterans to compensation.
• Fact: Veterans must have a diagnosed condition linked to Agent Orange exposure to qualify for disability compensation.

• Misconception: All health issues are presumed to be caused by Agent Orange.
• Fact: Only specific conditions are recognized by the VA as presumptively connected to Agent Orange exposure.

• Misconception: Benefits are only available to veterans who served in Vietnam.
• Fact: Veterans who served in other locations where Agent Orange was used or stored may also be eligible for benefits.

Seeking Assistance

Navigating a VA disability claim involving Agent Orange exposure can be overwhelming. You don’t have to go through it alone. At After Service LLC, we focus exclusively on helping veterans get the benefits they’ve earned. If you or a loved one were exposed to Agent Orange and are suffering from a chronic illness as a result, contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you fight for the compensation you deserve.