For Veterans

(Vietnam Era — Agent Orange)

You Served. The Least We Can Do Is Make Sure You Have Every Answer.

If you served in Vietnam, you already know that the war followed you home. What the science has only recently made clear is that it may have followed your children and grandchildren as well. This page is your hub for health information, VA benefits, and the resources your family needs.

Agent Orange & Your Health

Agent Orange was a tactical herbicide used extensively during the Vietnam War. It was contaminated with dioxin (TCDD) — a compound that binds to cellular receptors and profoundly alters the way genes are expressed. TCDD is classified as a persistent organic pollutant, meaning it accumulates in body fat and remains in the body for decades.

The health effects are serious, well-documented, and in many cases, presumptively linked to your service by the VA. If you were previously denied, it is worth reapplying. The PACT Act of 2022 significantly expanded presumptive coverage.

VA Agent Orange Presumptive Conditions

  • Bladder Cancer

  • Chloracne

  • Hodgkin’s Disease

  • Ischemic Heart Disease

  • Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

  • Parkinson’s-Like Symptoms

  • Porphyria Cutanea Tarda

  • Respiratory Cancers

  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)

  • Laryngeal Cancer

  • AL Amyloidosis

  • Chronic B-cell Leukemias

  • Hypothyroidism

  • Multiple Myeloma

  • Parkinson’s Disease

  • Peripheral Neuropathy (early onset)

  • Prostate Cancer

  • Soft Tissue Sarcomas

  • Monoclonal Gammopathy (MGUS)

Neurological Conditions

Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease is strongly linked to Agent Orange exposure and is an official VA presumptive condition. Research shows Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange have a significantly higher risk — some studies suggest two to three times higher than the general population. You do not need a formal Parkinson’s diagnosis to qualify for VA benefits; Parkinson’s-like symptoms also qualify.

Warning Signs of Parkinson’s Disease

  • Tremor at REST (hand shaking while sitting still — the key distinguishing sign)

  • Tremor that begins on one side of the body only

  • Stiffness or rigidity in the arms or legs

  • Slowness of movement (bradykinesia)

  • Shuffling gait or shorter steps

  • Handwriting that becomes smaller over time (micrographia)

  • Voice becomes softer or more monotone

  • Loss of sense of smell — an early, often overlooked indicator

  • Constipation — a very early neurological indicator

  • Sleep disturbances, particularly acting out dreams (REM behavior disorder)

ACTION ITEM: Any veteran experiencing hand tremors should be evaluated by a movement disorder neurologist as soon as possible. Early diagnosis leads to significantly better outcomes. Ask your VA provider for a neurology referral.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Dioxin damages the myelin sheath — the protective coating around nerves — and this damage can continue progressing for decades after initial exposure.

  • Numbness, tingling, or burning in the hands and feet

  • Weakness in the hands — difficulty gripping objects

  • Balance problems and unsteady walking

  • Pain that is often worse at night

  • Sensation of wearing gloves or socks when not wearing any

Treatment Options

Parkinson’s Disease Treatments

  • Gold standard: Levodopa/Carbidopa (Sinemet)

  • Dopamine agonists: Ropinirole (Requip), Pramipexole (Mirapex)

  • MAO-B inhibitors: Rasagiline (Azilect), Selegiline

  • Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) — can reduce tremors by 70-90%; considered even for patients in their 80s

  • Rock Steady Boxing and vigorous exercise programs — research strongly shows exercise slows disease progression

  • Physical, occupational, and speech therapy

Peripheral Neuropathy Treatments

  • Gabapentin (Neurontin) or Pregabalin (Lyrica) for nerve pain

  • Duloxetine (Cymbalta) for nerve pain and associated depression

  • Topical treatments: lidocaine patches, capsaicin cream

  • B12 vitamin supplementation

  • Physical therapy for balance and fall prevention

  • TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) units

SAY THIS AT YOUR NEXT APPOINTMENT

“I served in Vietnam and had confirmed or likely exposure to Agent Orange. I would like my exposure history formally noted in my medical record and would like to discuss screening for Agent Orange-associated conditions, and the potential health implications for my children and grandchildren.”

VA Benefits & Resources

  • Enroll in VA healthcare — Vietnam veterans with Agent Orange exposure are eligible for free VA healthcare

  • File disability claims — if diagnosed with any presumptive condition, no proof of causation required

  • Register for the VA Agent Orange Registry examination

  • If previously denied, reapply — the PACT Act of 2022 may now cover your condition

Key Resources

Apply for VA Healthcare

Learn more