VA recognizes veterans' chloracne as associated with exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides during military service when chloracne (or other acneform disease similar to chloracne) appears within one year of exposure to Agent Orange to a degree of at least 10% disabling by VA’s rating regulations.
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About Chloracne
Chloracne is a skin condition that looks like common forms of acne often affecting teenagers. Physicians sometimes have difficulty distinguishing chloracne from more common skin disorders.
Chloracne is the most well established long-term effect of exposure to TCDD or dioxin, a contaminant in Agent Orange. It is the only skin disorder consistently reported to be associated specifically with Agent Orange and other herbicides. However, not all persons exposed to dioxin develop chloracne.
Chloracne Signs and Symptoms
- Excessive oiliness of the skin and the appearance of numerous blackheads, often accompanied by fluid-filled cysts and dark body hair.
- Mild cases: Blackheads may be limited to the area around the eyes, extending along the temples to the ears.
- More severe cases: Blackheads also may appear in other places, especially over the cheek bone area, other facial areas, behind the ears, and along the arms. Severe chloracne may lead to open sores and permanent scars.
- Skin may become thicker and flake or peel.
The condition fades slowly after exposure. Minor cases may disappear altogether, but more severe cases may persist for years after the exposure.
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Research on Chloracne and Herbicides Used in Vietnam
The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) concluded in its 1993 report on Veterans and Agent Orange - Health Effects of Herbicides Used in Vietnam, as well as in 1996, 1998, 2002, and 2004 updates, that there is a positive association between chloracne and exposure to dioxin in Agent Orange.
Read NAS Institute of Medicine Reports on Veterans and Agent Orange.*†
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VA Benefits for Chloracne or Similar Acneform Disease
Veterans with chloracne (or other acneform disease similar to chloracne) that appeared within one year of exposure to Agent Orange to a degree of at least 10% disabling by VA’s rating regulations 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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