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Top 10 Things To Know About Agent Orange

  • Birth defects in children of women Veterans are associated with their military service in Vietnam but are not related to herbicide exposure.

    

  • The affected child must have been conceived after the Veteran entered Vietnam or the Korean demilitarized zone during the qualifying service period.

    

8. Vietnam Veterans are not the only Veterans who may have been exposed to Agent Orange.

    

  • Agent Orange and other herbicides used in Vietnam were used, tested or stored elsewhere, including some military bases in the United States. Other locations/scenarios in which Veterans were exposed to Agent Orange may include:

    

  • Korean Demilitarized Zone
  • Exposure along the demilitarized zone in Korea between April 1, 1968 and August 31, 1971
  • Thailand Military Bases
  • Possible exposure on or near the perimeters of military bases between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975
  • Herbicide Tests and Storage Outside Vietnam
  • Possible exposure due to herbicide tests and storage at military bases in the United States and locations in other countries
  • Agent Orange Residue on Airplanes Used in Vietnam War
  • Possible exposure of crew members to herbicide residue in C-123 planes flown after the Vietnam War

    

  

 

    

   

    

    

  

   

    

   

9. VA continues to conduct research on the long-term health effects of Agent Orange in order to better care for all Veterans.

VA and other Federal government Departments and agencies have conducted, and continue to conduct, extensive research evaluating the health effects of Agent Orange exposure on U.S. Veterans.

   

  • An example is the Army Chemical Corps Vietnam-Era Veterans Health Study designed to examine if high blood pressure (hypertension) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are related to herbicide exposure during the Vietnam War. Researchers have completed data collection and aim to publish initial findings in a scientific journal in 2015.

      

10. VA contracts with an independent, non-governmental organization to review the scientific and medical information on the health effects of Agent Orange.  Agent Orange updates occur often and veterans are advised to educate themselves about Agent Orange related issues as often as possible.

 

Veterans Encouraged To Call VA ASAP!

   

Vietnam veterans with illnesses that they believe were incurred or aggravated by exposure to Agent Orange or other aspects of military service – are encouraged to contact a VA veterans services representative at the nearest VA Regional Office or health care facility and apply for disability compensation. The counselors have information about the wide range of benefit programs administered by VA. The national toll-free number is 1-800-827-1000.  Vietnam veterans seeking disability compensation for illnesses incurred in or aggravated by military service also may wish to call VA's Special Issues Helpline at 1-800-PGW-VETS (1-800-749-8387).  Also, reach out to your nearest Veterans Service Organization for help.