What is Agent Orange?

Agent Orange is a toxic herbicide used by the U.S. military during the Vietnam era to clear leaves and vegetation for military operations. Veterans and servicemembers who were exposed to Agent Orange may have certain related illnesses. 

In the 1990’s, Congress passed the Agent Orange Act, which gave the VA the authority to assume that certain cancers and other illnesses are caused by Agent Orange (presumptive condition), and to assume that Veterans who served in certain locations were exposed to Agent Orange (presumptive exposure). This means that instead of a veteran having to prove a disability was actually caused by Agent Orange, if a veteran has a current disability and evidence of exposure to Agent Orange, service-connection is automatically granted. 

A veteran who can prove that he or she placed a “boot on the ground” during the war in Vietnam or the Korean demilitarized zone and has any presumptive conditions may receive service-connection without having to prove that his or her illness was actually caused by their service.