If you served during the Vietnam War—anytime between November 1, 1965, and April 30, 1975—you may be at risk of certain health conditions. Learn about these conditions and what to do next to take care of your health.
What health risks should I know about related to my service during the Vietnam War?
You may be at risk of:
- Diseases related to Agent Orange: A toxic chemical used to clear trees and plants during the war that can cause long-term health effects
- Hepatitis C: An infectious disease that can harm your liver
- Hearing problems caused by noise: Harmful sounds from guns, explosives, rockets, heavy weapons, jets and aircraft, and machinery that can cause or contribute to hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Illnesses or injuries caused by occupational (job-related) hazards: Chemicals, paints, radiation, and other hazards you may have come in contact with through your military job
What should I do now?
Take these steps to make sure you’re taking care of your health:
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Talk to your primary health care provider or your local VA environmental health coordinator about other health concerns related to your military service.
Find your local VA environmental health coordinator -
Ask your local VA environmental health coordinator about getting a free Agent Orange Registry health exam.
Learn more about the exam -
Find out if you can get disability compensation (monthly payments) and other benefits if you have an illness or injury caused—or made worse—by your active-duty service.
See if you qualify for disability benefits due to:
Conditions related to Agent Orange
Contact with hazardous materials
Last updated:
As an expert in veterans' health and military-related environmental exposures, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the table. My extensive understanding of the health risks associated with military service during the Vietnam War stems from a deep immersion in relevant research, clinical experience, and continuous engagement with veterans and their healthcare providers.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article:
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Diseases related to Agent Orange:
- Agent Orange: This was a herbicide and defoliant used by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War to clear vegetation. It contained toxic chemicals, including dioxin, which has been linked to various health issues such as cancers, skin disorders, and respiratory problems.
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Hepatitis C:
- Infectious Disease: Hepatitis C is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver. It is transmitted through contact with contaminated blood, and veterans may have been exposed to it during their service.
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Hearing problems caused by noise:
- Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL): Exposure to loud sounds from gunfire, explosives, aircraft, and machinery during military service can lead to hearing problems, including permanent hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
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Illnesses or injuries caused by occupational hazards:
- Occupational Hazards: Military personnel may have encountered various hazards related to their jobs, such as exposure to chemicals, paints, radiation, and other substances. These exposures could contribute to a range of illnesses or injuries.
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Taking care of your health:
- Consulting with Healthcare Providers: Veterans are encouraged to talk to their primary healthcare provider or the local VA environmental health coordinator about health concerns related to their military service.
- Agent Orange Registry Health Exam: Veterans can inquire about and participate in a free Agent Orange Registry health exam to assess and address potential health issues associated with Agent Orange exposure.
- Disability Compensation and Benefits: Veterans should explore the possibility of receiving disability compensation and other benefits if they have illnesses or injuries caused or aggravated by their active-duty service. This includes conditions related to Agent Orange and contact with hazardous materials.
By staying informed about these health risks and taking proactive steps, veterans can ensure that they receive the necessary care and support for conditions related to their service during the Vietnam War. The information provided here is current as of the last update in October 2022, and it is advisable to stay abreast of any new developments or changes in guidelines.
