VA recognizes veterans' AL amyloidosis as associated with exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides during military service. VA made this decision effective May 7, 2009 based on research findings on AL amyloidosis and herbicide exposure.
Learn more:
About AL Amyloidosis
AL amyloidosis is a rare disease caused when an abnormal protein, amyloid, enters tissues or organs. AL amyloidoisis is not a cancer, but it can occur because of some cancers.
Signs and Symptoms
- Symptoms depend on which organs are affected
- Affected organs may include heart, kidneys, liver, bowel, skin, nerves, joints, lungs
- Symptoms may include fatigue, weight loss, shortness of breath, numbness, tingling, weakness
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Research on AL Amyloidosis and Herbicides Used in Vietnam
The National Academy of Sciences concluded in its 2008 in its report “Veterans and Agent Orange: Update 2006,” released on July 27, 2007, that “there is limited or suggestive evidence of an association between exposures to the compounds of interest [found in the herbicide Agent Orange] and AL amyloidosis.”
Read NAS Institute of Medicine Reports on Veterans and Agent Orange.*†
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VA Benefits for AL Amyloidosis
Veterans with AL amyloidosis who were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service may be eligible for:
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Contact VA about Benefits
By Telephone
- Toll-free Helpline: 1-800-749-8387
- Health Care: 1-877-222-8387 (Ask to speak to the Environmental Health Coordinator or Patient Care Advocate)
- Disability Benefits and Other Benefits: 1-800-827-1000
- TDD (for hearing impaired): 1-800-829-4833
In Person
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More Information on Agent Orange
*By clicking on these links, you will leave the Department of Veterans Affairs Web site.
†VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked Web site.
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