VA pays monthly disability compensation to Veterans for injuries or diseases related to active military service. We call these disabilities “service-related” or “service-connected.”
Certain Vietnam-era Veterans’ children with spina bifida or covered birth defects may be eligible for benefits for children with birth defects.
Surviving spouses, dependent children and dependent parents of Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange and died as the result of diseases related to Agent Orange exposure may be eligible for survivors’ benefits.
Eligibility for Disability Compensation
Veterans may be eligible for disability compensation if they have a service-connected disability and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
Presumed Exposure Based on Vietnam or Korea Service
For the purposes of disability compensation, VA presumes that Veterans were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides if they served:
These Veterans do not need to prove that they were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides to qualify for disability compensation for diseases related to Agent Orange exposure (also called "presumptive diseases").
A Veteran who believes he or she has a disease caused by herbicide exposure, but it is not a presumptive disease, must show an actual connection between the disease and herbicide exposure during military service.
Exposure not Presumed
Veterans who do not meet the criteria for presumed exposure to Agent Orange may be eligible for service-connection for related disabilities. This includes:
They must show that they were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service to be eligible for service-connection for presumptive diseases related to Agent Orange exposure.
For diseases that are not presumptive, they must show that they were exposed to herbicides and that there is an actual connection between the disease and their herbicide exposure.
Exception: Blue Water Veterans with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma may be granted service-connection without showing inland waterway service or that they set foot in Vietnam. This is because VA also recognizes non-Hodgkin's lymphoma as related to service in Vietnam or the waters offshore of Vietnam during the Vietnam Era.
Check VA's Guide to Agent Orange Claims to learn more about how to establish eligibility to disability compensation and how much VA pays.
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How to Apply
You may apply for disability compensation online.
Vietnam Veterans with chronic b-cell leukemias, Parkinson’s disease, or ischemic heart disease may apply for disability compensation for these diseases using VA’s Fast Track Claims Processing System.
After VA receives your application, we’ll send you a letter that explains what evidence we need in order to grant your claim. We will help you get records to support your claim, including records of Vietnam service or exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service. Learn more about the disability claims process.
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Additional Benefits
Veterans also may be eligible for:
Certain Vietnam-era Veterans’ children with spina bifida or covered birth defects may be eligible for benefits for children with birth defects.
Surviving spouses, dependent children and dependent parents of Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange and died as the result of diseases related to Agent Orange exposure may be eligible for survivors’ benefits.
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Contact VA about Benefits
By Telephone
- Toll-free Helpline: 1-800-749-8387 Press 3
- Agent Orange Registry Health Exam: Call your local VA Environmental Health Coordinator
- Health Care: 1-877-222-8387
- Compensation and Other Non-Health Care Benefits: 1-800-827-1000
- TDD (for hearing impaired): 1-800-829-4833
In Person
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