Exposure to Agent Orange – VA Disability Claims

Thousands of veterans were unknowingly exposed to Agent Orange, a powerful herbicide used by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War and other conflicts. Exposure to Agent Orange has been directly linked to severe health conditions, many of which qualify for VA disability benefits. However, proving eligibility and receiving the appropriate compensation can be challenging, requiring medical documentation and service records to establish exposure.


Martin and Lerda is committed to helping veterans exposed to Agent Orange navigate the VA disability claims process, ensuring they receive the compensation and medical care they are entitled to.

A soldier is sitting in a wheelchair in a living room.

What Is Agent Orange?

Agent Orange was one of several herbicides used during Operation Ranch Hand (1962–1971) to clear vegetation and destroy enemy cover in Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, and surrounding areas. This herbicide contained dioxin, a toxic chemical known to cause cancer, neurological disorders, and other life-threatening diseases.


The VA recognizes certain medical conditions as presumptively connected to Agent Orange exposure, meaning that veterans do not have to prove direct service connection if they served in qualifying locations.

Presumptive Conditions Related to Agent Orange Exposure

Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange may develop serious, life-altering illnesses. The VA has designated several presumptive conditions, meaning that if a veteran served in an area where Agent Orange was used, they are automatically presumed to have been exposed and may qualify for disability benefits.

Presumptive conditions linked to Agent Orange exposure include:

Cancers Linked to Agent Orange:

  • Hodgkin’s disease
  • Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
  • Prostate cancer
  • Lung cancer
  • Bladder cancer
  • Soft tissue sarcomas
  • Chronic B-cell leukemia


Other Serious Conditions:

  • Ischemic heart disease
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus
  • Peripheral neuropathy (early-onset)
  • Chloracne and other skin conditions
  • AL amyloidosis
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure) associated with exposure

Veterans who suffer from any of these conditions and served in Vietnam, Thailand, or areas where Agent Orange was used may automatically qualify for VA disability benefits.

Who Qualifies for Agent Orange VA Benefits?

The VA recognizes certain military service locations as eligible for presumptive Agent Orange exposure benefits. Veterans may qualify if they served:

  • In Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975 (including service on land, inland waterways, or      “Brown Water” Navy ships).
  • On Thai military bases between January 9, 1962, and June 30, 1976.
  • In Laos, Cambodia, or along the Korean DMZ where Agent Orange was used.
  • As Air Force or Army personnel handling C-123 aircraft used in spraying Agent Orange.

Veterans who served in these locations are presumed to have been exposed, which simplifies the VA disability claims process. However, many veterans face difficulty obtaining compensation if their service records do not clearly reflect their presence in these areas. Martin and Lerda helps veterans establish their exposure history and ensure their claims meet VA requirements.

How to Prove an Agent Orange-Related VA Disability Claim

Veterans who do not qualify for presumptive exposure benefits may still be eligible for VA compensation but must prove their exposure through supporting evidence, medical documentation, and service records.


To establish a service connection for Agent Orange-related illnesses, a veteran must provide:

  1. A current diagnosis of a qualifying condition.
  2. Proof of military service in areas where Agent Orange was used.
  3. A medical nexus linking the condition to Agent Orange exposure (for non-presumptive cases).



In some cases, family members of exposed veterans may also be eligible for dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) or survivor benefits.

How Martin and Lerda Helps Veterans Exposed to Agent Orange

Veterans should not have to fight the VA alone to receive the benefits they rightfully deserve. Martin and Lerda provides:

  • Assistance in gathering military service records and exposure documentation.
  • Guidance in proving eligibility for presumptive conditions.
  • Collaboration with medical professionals to provide expert opinions linking conditions to Agent Orange exposure.
  • Help in filing a Fully Developed Claim (FDC) to expedite VA processing.
  • Legal representation to ensure veterans receive the appropriate disability rating and compensation.


Many veterans struggle to gather the necessary records or understand VA requirements for Agent Orange-related claims. Martin and Lerda ensures that all supporting medical evidence and documentation are correctly submitted, maximizing the chances of claim approval and proper compensation.


Additional Resources for Veterans Exposed to Agent Orange

📌 VA Agent Orange Exposure & Benefits

📌 VA List of Presumptive Diseases for Agent Orange Exposure

📌 Vietnam Veterans of America – Agent Orange Advocacy

Take the First Step in Your Agent Orange Disability Claim

Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange and suffer from related health conditions deserve fair compensation for their service-related illnesses. Martin and Lerda is committed to helping veterans secure the benefits and medical care they need.


Call (412) 271-6800 today to discuss your Agent Orange claim and take the next step toward securing your VA disability benefits.