Veterans who develop prostate cancer and were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service do not have to prove a connection between their prostate cancer and military service to be eligible to receive VA disability compensation.
About prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is cancer of the prostate, a small gland in the male reproductive system.
Prostate cancer is often first detected in routine screening, such as in a PSA (prostate-specific antigen test) or DRE (digital rectal exam). Symptoms may include urinary problems, such as trouble urinating or stopping and starting when urinating, though these problems more often result from noncancerous prostate. Blood in urine or semen and discomfort in the pelvic area also can develop.
Visit Medline Plus to learn about treatment, the latest medical research, and more from the National Institutes of Health.
VA benefits for prostate cancer
Veterans with prostate cancer who were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service may be eligible for disability compensation and health care.
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.
Surviving spouses, dependent children and dependent parents of Veterans who were exposed to herbicides during military service and died as the result of prostate cancer may be eligible for survivors' benefits.
Research on prostate cancer and herbicides used in Vietnam
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academy of Sciences concluded in its 1996 report "Veterans and Agent Orange: Update 1996" and in future updates that there is limited/suggestive evidence of a positive association between prostate cancer and exposure to herbicides used in Vietnam. This finding reversed an earlier conclusion from the IOM 1993 report on Veterans and Agent Orange that credible evidence existed to associate prostate cancer with herbicide exposure.
View more research on health effects of Agent Orange.
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