Agent Orange Presumptive Conditions
Illnesses the VA presumes were caused by Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam War and a few other settings.
Agent Orange was a tactical herbicide the U.S. military used to clear jungle during the Vietnam War. Decades later, many veterans developed serious illnesses tied to the chemical. To make claims easier, the VA created a list of 'presumptive' conditions — illnesses the VA assumes were caused by Agent Orange exposure if a veteran served in covered locations during covered periods. The list includes several cancers (prostate, respiratory, soft tissue sarcoma, multiple myeloma, Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic B-cell leukemias, bladder), Parkinson's disease and Parkinson-like symptoms, ischemic heart disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, hypothyroidism, hypertension, and chloracne. The PACT Act expanded covered locations to include Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Guam, American Samoa, Johnston Atoll, and parts of Korea, plus Blue Water Navy service near Vietnam. If you served in a covered place and have a listed condition, file a claim — the VA presumes the link.
In real life
- A Vietnam veteran with type 2 diabetes files and is granted service connection automatically.
- A Thailand-based airman with Parkinson's now qualifies after the PACT Act added Thailand.
- A Blue Water Navy sailor near Da Nang with prostate cancer qualifies under expanded rules.
Also known as
Frequently asked questions about Agent Orange Presumptive Conditions
Where did Agent Orange exposure happen?+
Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, parts of Korea, Guam, American Samoa, Johnston Atoll, and Blue Water Navy service near Vietnam — among others added by the PACT Act.
Do I have to prove I touched Agent Orange?+
No. If you served in a covered location during a covered time, the VA presumes exposure.
Are children of Vietnam veterans covered?+
VA recognizes spina bifida and certain other birth defects in some children of Vietnam and Korea veterans.
How do I file?+
At va.gov/disability/file-claim or with a free accredited VSO.
Source: va.gov