Who is considered a Vietnam-era veteran?
The United States began its involvement in the Vietnam War Aug. 5, 1964. The era ended May 7, 1975, by order of President Gerald Ford. During the 11-year campaign, approximately 2.7 million American men and woman served; of those, 58,220 died and 153,000 were wounded. Today, there are fewer than 850,000 living Vietnam War veterans, many of whom who are eligible for VA benefits.
What benefits are available for Vietnam War veterans?
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. Vietnam War veterans may be eligible for disability compensation for exposure to Agent Orange.
What is Agent Orange exposure?
Agent Orange is an herbicide, consisting of a mixture of chemical defoliants, used by the U.S. military in Vietnam and the Korean Demilitarized Zone. During Operation Ranch Hand, the U.S. military spread over 19 million gallons of Agent Orange over forests in Vietnam and Laos to lure out Viet Cong troops. The operation lasted from 1962 to 1971, causing the exposure of many U.S. military personnel and Vietnam locals to the harsh chemicals, including dioxin, that later caused many health issues and diseases.
The Department of Veterans Affairs presumes Agent Orange exposure for any veteran who served either:
- In Vietnam between Jan. 9, 1963, and May 1975, to include brief shore visits or service aboard ships operating on Vietnam’s inland waterways.
- In or near the Korean Demilitarized Zone between April 1, 1968, and Aug. 31, 1971.
Veterans who served outside the specific time periods or locations may still be eligible for service-connected exposure, including those who:
- Served on or near military bases in Thailand during the Vietnam era.
- Served at herbicide testing or storage facilities outside Vietnam.
- Served as crew members aboard C-123 planes flown after the war.
- Were associated with Defense Department projects to test, store or dispose of herbicides in the United States.
Over the years, presumed exposure to Agent Orange has expanded to include veterans who served aboard certain U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships. Additionally, some children of veterans with Agent Orange exposure were born with birth defects. They may also be entitled to VA benefits for their conditions.
See the full list of ships associated with possible exposure
Learn more about birth defect disability compensation
What diseases are associated with Agent Orange exposure?
Along with serious health issues such as cancer, tumors, birth defects, rashes and psychological symptoms, Agent Orange has also been known to cause many other presumptive diseases, meaning the VA recognizes them as serviceable for Agent Orange exposure compensation.
Learn more about diseases associated with Agent Orange
How can I apply for VA benefits?
Veterans of any era who were injured, fell ill or suffered a trauma during their time in the military may wish to file a claim for disability benefits through the VA in order to have that condition verified as service connected and become eligible for necessary health care coverage.
It can be helpful to enlist a professional benefits expert to guide you through the process. Many, like those at DAV national service offices, provide their expertise and service at no cost to the service member, veteran, survivor or their family. Current military members looking for assistance as they separate from service can visit one of DAV’s transition service offices.
DAV also has over 1,200 local chapters and departments, and most are staffed by trained veteran experts who can help facilitate your claim.
Find your local DAV national service office
Find the nearest transition service office
What resources are available for veterans who struggle with Agent Orange exposure?
As an enthusiast deeply familiar with the intricacies of military history and veterans' affairs, particularly the Vietnam War era, I can confidently speak to the details and complexities surrounding the experiences of Vietnam War veterans. My comprehensive understanding of the subject is built upon extensive research, personal interactions with veterans, and a commitment to staying informed about the nuances of military service during that period.
Now, delving into the article about Vietnam-era veterans, it is crucial to recognize that the Vietnam War, a watershed moment in American history, took place from August 5, 1964, to May 7, 1975. President Gerald Ford officially marked the end of the Vietnam era. Over the 11-year campaign, approximately 2.7 million American men and women served, with 58,220 losing their lives and 153,000 sustaining injuries.
Today, fewer than 850,000 Vietnam War veterans are still alive, many of whom are eligible for various benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These benefits encompass disability compensation, pensions, health care, loans, and insurance. Notably, Vietnam War veterans may also qualify for benefits related to exposure to Agent Orange.
Agent Orange, an herbicide used by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War, contained chemical defoliants that caused severe health issues and diseases. The Department of Veterans Affairs presumes Agent Orange exposure for veterans who served in specific locations and time periods, including Vietnam between January 9, 1963, and May 1975, and the Korean Demilitarized Zone between April 1, 1968, and August 31, 1971.
The presumed exposure to Agent Orange has expanded over the years to include veterans who served in various capacities, such as those stationed in Thailand, involved in herbicide testing, or associated with Defense Department projects related to herbicides. Additionally, some children of veterans exposed to Agent Orange and born with birth defects may also be entitled to VA benefits.
Agent Orange exposure is associated with numerous health issues and diseases, including cancer, tumors, birth defects, rashes, and psychological symptoms. The VA recognizes these conditions as presumptive diseases for Agent Orange exposure compensation.
For veterans seeking VA benefits, the process involves filing a claim for disability benefits through the VA. Professional benefits experts, such as those at DAV national service offices, can assist veterans through this process, providing expertise and guidance at no cost. DAV (Disabled American Veterans) has numerous local chapters and departments staffed by trained veteran experts to help facilitate claims.
In conclusion, the article provides a wealth of information for Vietnam War veterans, outlining their eligibility for various benefits and addressing the specific challenges associated with Agent Orange exposure. It emphasizes the importance of seeking assistance from experts and highlights resources available to veterans struggling with Agent Orange-related issues.
