VA presumes Veterans' acute and subacute peripheral neuropathy is related to their exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service when:
- It appears within one year of exposure to Agent Orange to a degree of at least 10 percent disabling by VA’s rating regulations, and
- It is temporary and resolves within two years.
About peripheral neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition of the peripheral nervous system, which consists of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
Acute or subacute form of peripheral neuropathy refers to symptoms occurring within weeks after exposure. (In chronic cases, effects appear much later.) It is a temporary condition.
Signs and symptoms include numbness, tingling or prickling in the toes or fingers in early stages. This may spread to the feet or hands and may cause burning, throbbing or shooting pain that is worse at night. Other symptoms include pain equally in both sides of the body (in both hands or in both feet), muscle weakness, loss of balance or coordination, and extreme sensitivity to touch.
Visit MedlinePlus to learn more about peripheral neuropathy, treatment, the latest medical research, and more from the National Institutes of Health.
VA benefits for acute and subacute peripheral neuropathy
Veterans with acute and subacute peripheral neuropathy that appeared within one year of exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides to a degree of at least 10 percent disabling by VA’s rating regulations and resolved within two years may be eligible for disability compensation and health care.
Chronic peripheral neuropathy is not presumed by VA to be caused by exposure to Agent Orange.
Veterans who served in Vietnam, the Korean demilitarized zone or another area where Agent Orange was sprayed may be eligible for an Agent Orange registry health exam, a free, comprehensive examination.
Research on peripheral neuropathy and herbicides used in Vietnam
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academy of Sciences concluded in its report "Veterans and Agent Orange: Update 1996" that there is some evidence to suggest that neuropathy of acute or subacute onset may be associated with herbicide exposure.
View more research on health effects of Agent Orange.
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