Who qualifies for Agent Orange Exposure & VA Presumptive Conditions benefits?

You generally need qualifying service in a recognized location and time period (listed above), a current diagnosis, and a discharge that isn't dishonorable.

Is Agent Orange Exposure & VA Presumptive Conditions covered under the PACT Act?

Yes. This exposure is recognized under the PACT Act, which expanded presumptive conditions and eligibility for toxic-exposed veterans.

How do I file an exposure claim?

File a disability claim listing your condition and exposure. Start with an Intent to File to lock your effective date, get a current diagnosis, and bring your service records. The VA Ready app and guides walk you through each step.

Agent Orange Exposure & VA Presumptive Conditions

Q: What conditions are presumptive for Agent Orange Exposure & VA Presumptive Conditions?

VA recognizes 19 presumptive conditions, including AL amyloidosis, Bladder cancer, Chronic B-cell leukemias, Chloracne. With qualifying service you don't have to prove the connection.

Agent Orange and other tactical herbicides were sprayed in Vietnam and stored, tested, or used at sites across Asia and the Pacific. If you served in a recognized location and time, VA presumes certain conditions are service-connected — you don't have to prove the link.

Who's covered

VA recognizes exposure for service in these locations and time periods:

Agent Orange / Tactical Herbicides - Republic of Vietnam
January 9, 1962 – May 7, 1975
Tactical herbicides including 2,4-D, 2,4,5-T (with contaminant TCDD dioxin), cacodylic acid, and picloram were sprayed in Vietnam. Service in the Republic of Vietnam, on inland waterways, or within 12 nautical miles of the Vietnam/Cambodia
Agent Orange - U.S. or Royal Thai Military Bases (Thailand)
January 9, 1962 – June 30, 1976
Service at U.S. or Royal Thai military bases in Thailand between Jan 9, 1962 and Jun 30, 1976 is presumptive for herbicide exposure under the PACT Act.
Agent Orange - Laos
December 1, 1965 – September 30, 1969
Service in Laos between Dec 1, 1965 and Sep 30, 1969 is presumptive for herbicide exposure under the PACT Act.
Agent Orange - Cambodia (Mimot / Krek, Kampong Cham Province)
April 16, 1969 – April 30, 1969
Service at Mimot or Krek in Kampong Cham Province, Cambodia, from Apr 16, 1969 through Apr 30, 1969 is presumptive for herbicide exposure under the PACT Act.
Agent Orange - Guam / American Samoa (and territorial waters)
January 9, 1962 – July 31, 1980
Service on Guam, American Samoa, or in their territorial waters between Jan 9, 1962 and Jul 31, 1980 is presumptive for herbicide exposure under the PACT Act.
Agent Orange - Johnston Atoll
January 1, 1972 – September 30, 1977
Service on Johnston Atoll, or aboard a ship that called at Johnston Atoll, between Jan 1, 1972 and Sep 30, 1977 is presumptive for herbicide exposure under the PACT Act. Surplus Agent Orange was stored and later incinerated at Johnston Atol
Agent Orange - Korean Demilitarized Zone
September 1, 1967 – August 31, 1971
Service in or near the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between Sep 1, 1967 and Aug 31, 1971 is presumptive for herbicide exposure.
Agent Orange - C-123 Aircraft (Post-Vietnam)
January 1, 1969 – December 31, 1986
Air Force and Air Force Reserve flight, ground maintenance, and aeromedical evacuation crew members who regularly and repeatedly operated, maintained, or served onboard the same C-123 aircraft used for Operation Ranch Hand spraying are pres

Presumptive conditions (19)

If you have a qualifying diagnosis and the service above, VA presumes these are connected to your exposure — you don't have to prove causation:

AL amyloidosisBladder cancerChronic B-cell leukemiasChloracne Type 2 diabetes mellitus HypertensionHypothyroidismHodgkin diseaseIschemic heart diseaseMGUSMultiple myelomaNon-Hodgkin lymphomaParkinson's diseaseParkinsonismPeripheral neuropathy, early-onsetPorphyria cutanea tardaProstate cancerRespiratory cancersSoft tissue sarcomas

See your conditions and what they rate, then build your combined rating — open the free calculator →

What you need to file

DD-214 — Establishes service in Vietnam during qualifying period
Personnel records / orders — Confirms boots-on-ground or qualifying offshore service
Ship deck logs — For Blue Water Navy 12-nautical-mile claims
Medical diagnosis — Confirms a 38 CFR 3.309(e) presumptive condition
Personnel records / ship deck logs — Confirms presence on/calling at Johnston Atoll
Unit assignment records — Confirms DMZ unit during qualifying window
AF Form 2096 / personnel records — Confirms duty AFSC and unit assignment on C-123
Aircraft maintenance logs / flight records — Documents regular contact with contaminated C-123

How to file

File a disability claim for your diagnosed condition and note the exposure. The usual path: lock your date with an Intent to File, get a current diagnosis, gather your service records, and prepare for your C&P exam. If service connection isn't obvious, a nexus letter can help.

Legal authority & sources

38 CFR 3.307(a)(6); 38 CFR 3.309(e); Agent Orange Act of 1991; Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act 2019 (Pub.L.116-23); PACT Act 2022 (Pub.L.117-168)